Apply for or renew a driver licence (hackney carriage or private hire)

The application process has two parts. In part 1, we need to verify your eligibility and in part 2 you submit the Driver Licence Application.

The first step is to supply your documentation to confirm that you are eligible to apply for a driver licence.

In our online form, you will need to upload:

1. A scanned copy or photograph of your enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate which is signed up to the Update Service. If you do not have a DBS, you can obtain one from our nominated supplier.
2. Evidence of your Right to Work. This can be a UK passport or a non-UK passport which must be accompanied by a Home Office Right to Work code or another document that shows you have the Right to Work in the UK. View further information about what evidence is accepted.
3. A scanned copy or photograph of your DVLA Driving Licence. This licence must have been held for at least 3 years
4. a DVLA check code. Prior to your licence being issued, checks will be made with the DVLA to seek information about your driving licence. You can apply online for a DVLA Check code.

You must ensure that:

• your certificate is signed up to the Update Service before you apply (check if you're signed up before you apply)
• all uploaded documents must be clear and readable
• the uploads show all four corners in the picture
• all sides (front and back) of each document are included

If your documents do not meet this criteria, your Part 1 application will be rejected, and you will need to make a new application.

When the verification has been completed you will receive an email confirming you can proceed to Part 2.

Before you complete part 2 and apply for a taxi or private hire licence, you need to:

1. Book and attend safeguarding and disability awareness training and attend refresher training every 3 years. Upload your certificate when you make a taxi or private hire application. You can book safeguarding and disability awareness training online.
2. Provide an HMRC Tax Check code if you are renewing a license. View more information about applying for a Tax Check code.
3. Obtain a medical certificate. You will need to obtain a council approved medical certificate [PDF, 64 KB] or a PSV/HGV Group II medical certificate (completed and signed by your registered medical practice/practitioner within the previous 3 months). If you are unable to get a certificate from your registered GP, we will currently accept a certificate from another GMC-registered medical practitioner. They must have seen your full medical records and complete and sign the certificate stating this.
4. Provide a score report from our English language test provider showing that you have passed the test, or an equivalent qualification.

If you're a new applicant, you must also provide:

1. A council-approved driving assessment certificate.
2. A certificate of attendance at a council-approved wheelchair accessible vehicle driver course (wheelchair accessible vehicle drivers only).
3. Evidence that you have registered for an HMRC Tax Check.

We aim to process all valid and complete Part 2 applications within 10 working days, unless your application needs to be passed to an officer for investigation and a decision.

Before we decide whether to grant or renew a taxi or PHV driver licence, a search will be made of the NR3S Register to identify any entries relating to the applicant. Applicants are required to note that their personal data will be placed on the Register if at any time their licence is revoked, suspended or an application or licence renewal is refused.

Applicants should also note that information on the NR3S Register will be retained for up to 11 years. Applicants have a right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner Telephone: 0303 123 1113.

Should you have any questions about the NR3S Register, please contact the National Anti-Fraud Network (NAFN) Data and Intelligence Service.

NAFN Data and Intelligence Services, Tameside MBC, PO Box 304, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 0GA

Contact details for the council’s Data Protection Officer are available from the council’s Privacy Policy.

We are the controller for the personal information we use about you. We're committed to protecting your privacy when you use our services.

The law requires us to give you details about how we use and protect your information, view the taxi licensing privacy policy.

For information and support with the licensing process, you can contact taxi licensing.