If you want to drive a licensed hackney carriage or private hire vehicle in Bath and North East Somerset, you need to obtain a taxi driver's licence.
Before you apply
You need to read and understand the requirements on this page before you submit an application for a permit. We cannot proceed with your application unless you give us all the information we need.
You must pass several tests and assessments before you apply. You also need to read the combined hackney carriage/private hire policies and conditions
Select a topic below to find out if you are eligible, the tests you need to pass before you apply, and the details you must provide in your application.
If you want to apply to be a hackney carriage/private hire driver, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Have held a full driving licence for a minimum of three years
- Be able to meet the Group 2 (Vocational Driver) Medical Requirements
- Be able to prove your right to work in the UK
Before you apply, you must complete an English Language Assessment. This costs £74. To make the payment, please go to our online payments page.
Once we receive your payment, we will contact you to book the test. We will conduct the test remotely using Zoom or WhatsApp.
After you have passed the English Language Assessment, you must complete an Approved Drivers Assessment. Details of how to book this will be provided on successful completion of the English Language Assessment.
Knowledge test
We expect all applicants to have good knowledge of the streets, road numbers and main buildings in the district - you must pass a knowledge test before we give you a licence.
We may also ask for you to provide a vehicle for a short driving test. This allows us to check that you can take the shortest possible route to a named destination.
Once you have confirmed your eligibility and passed the tests, you can submit your application.
You need to provide the following details in your application:
- Successful driving assessment certificate from a B&NES-approved assessor
- English Language assessment certificate
- Medical Certificate (Medical Form for a Group 2 Licence)
- Permission for us to undertake a Police record check
- Permission for us to obtain details of driving convictions
- Proof of Right to Work in the UK
- Application Fee
Fees and charges
Prices for taxi driver's licences are shown in the following table.
| Fees | Price |
|---|---|
| New application fee | £582 |
| Renewal application fee | £444 |
| Knowledge test or retest | £75 |
| DBS | £101 |
A DBS check is included in the new application fee. There will be a charge of £101 for any further DBS required to obtain a renewal of licence. Any fee incurred by the Council in respect of DBS checks is non-refundable.
Duration
Licences are valid for three years, unless we state otherwise.
We issue all licences with an expiry date of 28 February.
Renewals
We will send you renewal information shortly before your current licence expires. We will also send you a unique reference number that you will need to include in your online application.
How to apply
When you are sure you are eligible and are able to provide all the information we require, submit an application using our online form.
Apply for a taxi driver's licence
Further information
Select a topic below to find out more about taxi drivers' licences.
A contentious application will be from any applicant with any recorded criminal history, or who have a previous licence revoked by this or any other authority, or any individual circumstances which will be discussed with the applicant during the application process.
Contentious applications will be referred to our Licensing Sub Committee for determination.
If you wish to appeal our decision to refuse to grant an application, or attach any condition to the licence, you can appeal to Bath Magistrates’ Court within 21 days of being notified of the decision.
A decision of the Magistrates’ Court can be appealed to the Crown Court.
All hackney carriage and private hire drivers and operators licensed by Bath & North East Somerset must abide by our policies and conditions
If you wish to make a complaint about a taxi driver, please use our online form