What are Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Vehicle Driver’s Licences?
Hackney carriage/private hire vehicle driver’s licences, commonly known as ‘taxi driver’ licences, allow the holder to driver either a Blaenau Gwent licensed hackney carriage and/or private hire vehicle. Licences are normally issued for a maximum period of 3 years.
What legislation controls Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Vehicle Driver’s Licences?
The Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 and the Town Police Clauses Act 1847.
Who can apply?
Anyone aged 18 years or older can apply, providing they have held a full DVLA driving licence for a period of at least 12 months.
What is the application process?
All applicants for a Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Driver licence will need to complete a knowledge test and attend a safeguarding course, both of which are conducted and managed by Torfaen Training Centre. Applicants are advised to contact Torfaen Training on 01633 875929 - a revision pack will be sent out in advance of the test. Proof that the test has been completed and passed must then be produced to the Council’s Licensing Team who will then issue an application pack.
In addition to relevant checks to establish whether a person is a’ fit and proper’ person, local authorities are not able to grant a driver or operator’s licence unless they are satisfied an applicant has the right to remain and work in the United Kingdom.
Whilst local authorities are able to grant such licences to persons who are subject to immigration control and only have a limited time to remain in the UK, they can only be granted for a specified period and that period must end at or before the period of permission to remain. Licences will automatically lapse where the immigration status changes and the licence holder becomes ineligible to lawfully reside and work in the UK. Any person who does not return their licence will be committing an offence
Following receipt of the application pack, applicants must:-
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complete the form in black ink
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Apply online for an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) report (criminal record check) to fadv.onlinedisclosures.co.uk
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Contact the Council’s Licensing Team on 01495 355485 to make an appointment to submit the application fee
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Produce a current full DVLA driving licence for inspection, issued under Part III the Road Traffic Act 1988, or a licence from another EEA state for a minimum of 2 years, which must be valid for 12 months prior to the date of application
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Produce a DVLA check code
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Produce a HMRC tax code (renewal only)
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Applicants who have spent more than six or more continuous months outside the UK since their tenth birthday must provide evidence of a criminal record check from the country/countries visited covering the period that the applicant spent overseas. For EU Nationals and UK citizens, suitable checks should be available. For those countries for which checks are not available a Certificate of Good Conduct, authenticated, translated and sealed by the Embassy or High Commission must be provided at the applicant’s own expense. (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/criminal-records-checks-for-overseas-applicants)
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Submit at least 2 other acceptable forms of identification
When the DBS and DVLA information is received by the Licensing Team, the determination of the application is normally delegated to Licensing officers. However, where offences, cautions etc. have been identified, officers have the power to refer the application to the Licensing committee, who may then grant or refuse a licence.
If a licence is granted, the applicant must obtain a satisfactory medical report from his/her doctor before the licence can be issued (the medical form will be provided by the Licensing Team at the appropriate time). Please note that the licensing authority requires all applicants to meet the DVLA Group II medical standard
Licences will be granted for a maximum of 3 years.
Can I apply online?
No, online applications are not accepted for this type of licence.
How much does it cost?
The licence fee is £264. The fee for an Enhanced DBS is £49.13 (£49.56 from 1/5/2024)
How long will it take to process my application and will tacit consent apply?
The application process time is normally six to eight weeks however this depends on the time taken for the DBS to complete their checks and if the application is referred to the Council’s Licensing Committee for determination, who generally meet once a month.
Tacit consent will not apply to these licences, i.e. if you do not hear anything within the specified time; you cannot automatically assume that the application has been granted.
Can I appeal if my application is refused?
Yes you can appeal to the Magistrates’ Courts if your application is refused within 21 days from being notified in writing of the decision.
Consumer complaints
If you have a complaint regarding any issue relating to licensed or unlicensed taxi activities, please contact the Licensing Team on 01495 355059