Changes to our hackney carriage and private hire policy from 1 September 2026

We’re updating our hackney carriage and private hire taxi licensing policy on 1 September 2026 to make travel:

• safer
• more accessible
• better for the environment

From 1 September, we are making it simpler to applying for (and renew) a hackney carriage taxi or private hire licence.

Drivers will need:

• 12 months of driving experience (with a full GB licence)
• to be 21 or over (with limited exceptions for under 21s)
• a medical check from their GP or an approved provider (full medical history will only be required for the first medical)
• proof of working in Buckinghamshire (for hackney carriage drivers)
• a certificate of good conduct if they’ve lived abroad for 12 months or more in one country in the last 10 years

Vehicle rules are also changing from 1 September, including these changes:

• most vehicles will be able to be licenced for 12 years instead of 10 years
• wheelchair accessible and low emission vehicles may be licensed for 15 years
• we are adding flexibility for on advertising on vehicles

Changes to Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAV) include:

• any new hackney carriages taxis must be wheelchair accessible (once the current vehicle reaches its age limit)
• existing wheelchair accessible vehicles can stay on the road for 15 years
• vehicles that meet new enhanced WAV requirements may be licensed for longer than 15 years

To improve air quality:

• all licensed vehicles will need to meet Euro 6 emissions standards at first licence
• from 2035, all licensed vehicles applications must be ultra low or zero emission at first licence
• existing licensed vehicles can continue operating licensed vehicles can remain until they reach their age limit

Other changes will include:

• drivers with multiple DVLA points will have the option to take an extra assessment instead of being banned from holding a licence
• new approach to dealing with driver DVLA points
• a new zero-tolerance declaration on abuse
• mandatory contactless payment options for customers for all journeys
• safeguarding and disability awareness training for customer facing operator staff
• no requirement for operators to provide a local landline number
• more flexibility for executive drivers to do occasional non-executive work

These changes will help to create a taxi hackney carriage and private hire service that’s safer, more accessible, and better for the environment.

Until the new Policy starts on 1 September 2026, the current Policy will still apply.

Every licence application and decision will continue to be judged on its own merits and on the facts of the case.

You can view a copy of the new policy now.

If you have any questions about these changes, email [email protected]