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:

  • Your DVLA driving licence 
  • A copy of the DVLA record - which can be obtained from www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence (external website) - showing the record for 4 years
  • A medical assessment form completed by your doctor 
  • Original documentation proving your identity and address 
  • The application fee 
  • One passport sized photograph 
  • DVLA mandate
  • Identification documents supporting your right to work in UK
  • DBS certificate or Certificate of Good Conduct issued by the relevant non UK country

Forms

We recommend that you make an appointment to visit the licensing office so that we can go through the documentation with you. Contact us on 01824 706342 to arrange an appointment.

Alternatively, you can post your paperwork to us at:

Licensing Team
Denbighshire County Council
Caledfryn
Smithfield Road
Denbigh
Denbighshire
LL16 3RJ

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.

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.

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)

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.

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. The first two attempts are free of charge but there is a fee for subsequent attempts. If you fail the test, you must wait a week before attempting it again.

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.

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.

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 check which is payable separately.

How can I pay?

Payment can be made by card over the phone to customer services (01824 706000). Payment by cheque or cash is only available at one of Denbighshire’s One Stop Shops. Please contact us for the appropriate reference number before attempting to pay. Failing to provide the appropriate reference number may delay your application.

Changing your details

If you have a licence, you must let us know about any changes to your circumstances. 

There is no charge to change your details.

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)