Taxi driver licence

To become a taxi driver you must:

  • have held a full driving licence for at least 12 months
  • have a good knowledge of the whole of Denbighshire 
  • have a satisfactory motoring record 
  • have no convictions that would deem you unsuitable to transport members of the public

You can get more details from the following:

How do I apply?

To apply for a taxi driver’s licence you must complete an application form. The form should be accompanied by:

  • DBS certificate
  • Your DVLA driving licence 
  • One passport sized photograph 
  • Identification documents supporting your right to work in UK
  • Certificate of Good Conduct issued by the relevant non UK country
  • DVLA check
  • A medical assessment form completed by your doctor 
  • The application fee 

Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and DVLA check

As part of your taxi licence application with Denbighshire County Council, applicants must complete a criminal records Disclosure check via the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and DVLA check through TaxiPlus, who will administer your application on our behalf.

Apply online for a DBS check on the TaxiPlus website (external website)

New applicants will need to sign up to the DBS ‘Update Service’ when applying. You will only have 30 days to register for the Update Service from the date a DBS certificate is issued.

You can sign up for the Update Service through your TaxiPlus account using your DBS certificate number.

Once you have subscribed to the Update Service please keep your original DBS certificate in a safe place, as you may need it if you apply to be a taxi driver in another local authority area.

The TaxiPlus website is the only website you are able to apply for a DBS check for a Denbighshire Licensed Taxi Driver Badge. We cannot accept any other form of DBS and Denbighshire will not be held responsible for applications made or monies spent on any other site.

If you have any queries regarding the DBS application process on the TaxiPlus website, please contact them directly:

Phone: 01254 355 679

Email: hello@taxiplus.co.uk

Webchat: TaxiPlus website (external website)

Currently DBS certificates require updating on every 3 years, however you are strongly encouraged to sign up for the DBS Update Service. There are proposals for this to become mandatory across Wales in the very near future, but there are already advantages to signing up to the Update Service because:

  • it’s financially cheaper for applicants over the same 3-year period
  • you will never be without a DBS check for taxi licensing purposes on renewal of your licence

You can find out more about how to sign up from TaxiPlus directly.

Medical assessment

You should arrange an appointment with your Registered GP, who will complete the medical assessment form. You may submit your completed form with your application, or submit at a later date prior to determination.

Medical form: medical report on an applicant for a hackney carriage or private hire vehicle driver's licence (MS Word, 80KB)

Application form and guidance

Once completed the applications can be emailed to the licensing office. Contact us on 01824 706342 for advice and guidance on completing your form.

Alternatively, you can post your paperwork to us at:

Licensing Team
Denbighshire County Council
PO Box 62
Ruthin
Denbighshire
LL15 9AZ

Please note that if the UK is not your country of origin, there may be some additional requirements. Please contact us to discuss these before you apply.

Knowledge test

All drivers, whether hackney carriage or private hire, will have to pass a knowledge test. The test consists of questions covering:

  • local geography, including routes
  • hackney carriage and private hire conditions
  • hackney carriage ranks and tariffs
  • numeracy
  • customer care skills
  • the highway code
  • routine vehicle maintenance
  • safeguarding awareness

You can take the test as many times as you need to until you pass, however there is a separate charge after the initial test.  If you fail the test, you must wait a week before attempting it again.  

Taxi driver licence: Knowledge test guidance notes

You must make an appointment to take the on-line test in person at our offices in Denbigh. You can contact us online or call us on 01824 706342 to arrange this.

How long is the licence valid for?

Licences will be valid for up to 3 years and will be renewable alongside the DBS cycle.

How much does it cost?

£270 for a 3 year licence;

£250 for a NEW 1 year licence (renewal fees for this type of licence vary - please contact us for information)

These fees do not include cost of a DBS, DVLA check and Medical assessment which are payable separately to third party providers.

These fees include the first Knowledge Test fee for new applicants, should an applicant fail the first test, subsequent tests taken will need to be charged for at the current rate of £40 per test.

View all taxi driver, vehicle and operator fees

How can I pay?

Payment can be made by card over the phone to customer services (01824 706000) or you can pay by BACS. Payment by cheque or cash is only available at one of Denbighshire’s One Stop Shops.

Payment by BACS

Our BACS details are:

  • Bank: Natwest, 5 Queen Street, Rhyl, LL18 1RS
  • Sort code: 54 41 06
  • Account number: 22837469
  • Account name: Denbighshire County Council County Fund

Please ensure that you include a reference when you are making payment i.e. name/premises/licence number (if known) together with the cost code. Once payment has been made, please send a copy of the remittance to licensing@denbighshire.gov.uk.

Cost code

Please provide a cost code when making a Taxi Driver Licence payment:

  • 3476-40098 for dual driver 
  • 3476-40099 for private hire driver
  • 3476-40089 for additional Knowledge Tests

Failing to provide the appropriate cost code or premises name may delay processing your application. 

Granting your licence

When we have received all the necessary paperwork we will contact you with our decision as to whether your licence has been granted or refused.

Equality Act 2010

Section 165 and Section 168 impose duties on a licenced driver, please refer to the following information on the requirements of the act and how to apply for an exemption.

Application for an exemption from duties under the equality act 2010 (PDF, 611KB)

Welsh Government: Taxi and private hire vehicles - Equality Act medical exemption policy (external website)

For Existing Taxi Driver Licence Holders Only - Changing your details or Notifying us of a Conviction

You must inform us of any change in circumstances within 7 days, i.e name, address or convictions (motoring or otherwise).  Please remember to update your DVLA licence if required.

There is no charge to change your details.