Private hire and Hackney carriage information and licence conditions - Private hire driver conditions

The licence holder must ensure that the vehicle he/she is driving is insured, licensed and complies with the conditions relating to the issue of the vehicle licence.

The licence holder must at all times when driving or being in charge of a Private Hire Vehicle wear the drivers Private hire identification badge as supplied by the Licensing Office. The badge must be worn in such a manner as to be plainly visible on the outer garment in the chest region.

The licence holder shall ensure that the Private Hire Driver badge is surrendered to the Licensing Office within 7 days of the expiry of the licence.

The licence holder must return the badge immediately to the Licensing Office upon the revocation or suspension of the licence.

The licence holder shall ensure that the 'base copy' of his/her Private Hire Driver licence is lodged with the base through which he/she is working.

The licence holder must notify the Licensing Office within 7 days in writing of any change of employer/base.

The licence holder must notify the Licensing Office within 7 days in writing following a change of address.

The licence holder shall ensure that the number of passengers carried in the vehicle does not exceed that stated in the licence.

The licence holder must take all reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of passengers. This includes while they are entering and alighting the vehicle, and requesting that passengers use safety belts.

The licence holder shall at all times drive in such a manner as to have a regard to the comfort and safety of the passengers and to show proper consideration for other road users, complying with the Highway Code at all times.

The licence holder must afford reasonable assistance with passenger luggage.

The licence holder shall provide a prompt and efficient service and ensure that the vehicle is clean. The licence holder should be clean and smartly dressed. (Vests, torn or dirty garments are not acceptable)

The licence holder shall not drink or eat in the vehicle for the duration of the booking. Smoking is prohibited at all times within the vehicle due to statute law.

The licence holder shall not play any radio/sound reproducing equipment in the vehicle for the duration of the booking without the express consent of the passenger.

The licence holder shall not ply for hire or solicit or tout under any circumstances.

The licence holder will not convey or permit to be conveyed any other person in the vehicle without the express consent of the hirer.

The licence holder shall not permit any child below the age of 10 years to be carried in the front of the Private Hire Vehicle.

The licence holder shall not demand from the hirer a fare in excess of any fare previously agreed at the base, and provide at the request of the hirer a written receipt for payment of the fare.

The licence holder shall ensure that any conviction, fixed penalty or caution is reported to the Licensing Office in writing within 7 days of the conviction, caution or penalty with the following details:

• Nature of offence
• Date of offence
• Date of conviction
• Court where heard
• Penalty imposed

The licence holder will submit to a medical examination every 5 years. On attaining the age of 65 years the medical examination will be required annually. The licence holder on completion of the examination will submit to the Licensing Office the completed forms. The medical examination must be completed by the driver’s own GP.

The licence holder must report any illness or medical condition which affects or prevents driving, to the Licensing Office as soon as is practical.

The licence holder shall not convey in any Private Hire Vehicle any animal belonging to or in the custody of him/her.

The driver may at his/her discretion refuse to carry any animal belonging to, in the custody of, any passenger. 

However, drivers must carry guide or assistance dogs belonging to passengers, free of charge.

The licence holder may apply for a medical exemption for the carriage of animals. Please contact the Licensing Office for the appropriate application form and/or further information. Drivers have a responsibility to ensure that their company are aware of such a condition/exemption.

If a cheque is tendered that subsequently is not honoured the licence holder will be subject to a supplementary administration charge as detailed on current fees scale and no further cheques will be accepted for a period of 12 months.