Taxis and Private Hire

Contents

Driver Licences

New Driver 

If you would like to apply for a hackney carriage/private hire driver's licence, read this article which will go through the step-by-step application process.  

Step 1 - Read the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy 

You must read and ensure you fully understand your responsibilities under the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy.

If you have a criminal conviction or motoring offence, email licensing.team@colchester.gov.uk with the details before you start the application process to ensure your eligibility under the Council's Convictions Policy.

Step 2 - Your HMRC Tax Responsibilities 

As a new applicant, you should make yourself aware of your responsibilities as a licensed driver in relation to the payment of tax.  The Council will be required, on renewal of your licence, to check that you are appropriately registered for tax through a tax check code supplied to you by HMRC. If you cannot supply this, the Council will be unable to renew your licence.
 
Further information on changes for taxi, private hire or scrap metal licence applications from April 2022.

Step 3 - Complete the English Test 

You must complete the English test before the knowledge test. 

The test comprises a written paper and a speaking test. In the written paper, you will be asked to write two short paragraphs to test your knowledge of the language. This paper takes 45 minutes.

Tests are held every two weeks at the International Language Centre, Colchester on Wednesdays at 3 pm. You should arrive at the test centre at least 15 minutes before the test begins. Contact the International Language Centre for further details on the fee to be paid for the test.

How to book your test 

Book your test online 

Select ILC Colchester when booking your test.  

You can also book by calling the International Language Centre, Colchester on 01206 544422 or by emailing colchester@ilcentres.com 

What to bring to the test 

Download, read and sign the terms and conditions and bring this with you to the test. 

Download the Terms and Conditions 

You will also need to bring: 
  • a valid passport or driving licence to prove your identity.  A Home Office photo ID card may be acceptable 
  • a debit or credit card or cash to pay for the test 

Collecting your results

The results will be emailed to you by 11.00 on the Friday of the week of the test. A copy of your results will also be sent to Colchester City Council. 

Step 4 - Complete the knowledge test 

Once you have passed the English test, you must complete and pass  the knowledge test. 

The test involves answering questions on the Council’s conditions of licence, local knowledge, the Highway Code and simple mathematics.

How to book a knowledge test 

Tests are held every two weeks at the International Language Centre, Colchester on Wednesdays.  You should arrive at the test centre at least 15 minutes before the test begins.

Book your test online 

Select ILC Colchester when booking your test. You can also book by calling the International Language Centre, Colchester, on 01206 544422 or by emailing colchester@ilcentres.com. 

What to bring to the knowledge test

You will need to bring:

  • a valid passport or driving licence to prove your identity. A Home Office photo ID card may be acceptable 
  • a debit or credit card or £70 cash to pay for the test 

Collecting your results 

The results will be emailed to you by 11.00 on the Friday of the week of the test. A copy of your results will also be sent to Colchester City Council. 

What happens if you fail the knowledge test 

Applicants who fail the test will be allowed two further attempts at a minimum of fortnightly intervals. You must pay a fee for each test.  Re-tests must be completed within three months of the initial test. 

Applicants who have failed to pass the knowledge test after three attempts must wait one year before reapplying. 
 
The results of the test are final and will not be discussed.  

Step 5 - Complete the safeguarding training 

You must complete safeguarding training.  The training is provided by the Blue Lamp Trust. 

Step 6 - Complete the hackney carriage and private hire driver assessment

You must pass a driver assessment. 

The following companies provide the training: 

Step 7 – DBS and DVLA checks 

You need to apply to TaxiPlus for your Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) checks. 

TaxiPlus will notify us regarding the DVLA checks and will email a simple 'Yes' / 'No' in relation to your DBS check. 
 
If 'Yes' then your application can progress. If 'No' then the Licensing Team will request to see the DBS document sent to you. This may or may not affect your application. 

TaxiPlus

Step 8 - Group 2 Medical

As a driver you will be required to provide the Council with a Group 2 medical to determine whether you are medically fit to hold a licence. 

The medical can be carried out by your  Download the Group 2 Medical and Fitness to Drive form and take this to your medical provider to complete.  Ensure that your provider completes both parts of the form. 

Step 9 - Complete the application 

We have recently moved some of our licence services online, allowing customers to apply for and manage licence applications easily and efficiently via our online portal.  

Once you have completed the stages above, apply online.  

To complete the application form you will have to set up an online account.

We require a passport-style photograph and all the supporting documents must be in a jpg or pdf format.  

Be aware that the Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Safeguarding and Road Safety) Act 2022 imposes a duty on the Council to check all applications for a driver's licence on the National Taxi Register of Refusals, Revocations and Suspensions (NR3S) and to record details on the NR3S of any refusal, revocation and/or suspension relating to safeguarding or road safety concerns.

We will arrange an appointment with you in order to verify your right to work documentation and complete your application. If you are using a right to work share code, supply this with your application. 

As more of our licensing services are moved online you will be able to use the online portal to renew your licence and to make other changes or updates to your badge or plate. 

Driver Renewal 

Driver Licences are valid for three years and we will send you an email with instructions on how to renew prior to your licence expiry date.  A link to your renewal form will be included in this email.  

Be aware that the Council will be required, on application to renew your licence, to check that you are appropriately registered for tax through a tax check code supplied to you by HMRC.  If you cannot supply this, the Council will be unable to renew your licence. 
  
Further information on changes for taxi, private hire or scrap metal licence applications from April 2022  

When you application has been submitted the Council will check the National Register of Taxi Licence Refusals and Revocations. Find further information.

Be aware that the Council will be required, on application to renew your licence, to check that you are appropriately registered for tax through a tax check code supplied to you by HMRC.  If you cannot supply this, the Council will be unable to renew your licence. The Council will also check the National Taxi Register of Refusals, Revocations and Suspensions (NR3S).

Driver Licence – Changes  

Let Us Know  

You are required to let us know about various changes to your circumstances. Including:
  • your personal details (i.e. name, address or telephone)  
  • your email address  
  • a new criminal conviction, caution, or motoring offence 
  • If you wish to surrender your hackney carriage/private hire driver licence 
  • Ordering a replacement licence/badge 
Email eps.support@colchester.gov.uk with details of the changes. 

Ensure you report these changes in the relevant time frames set out in the Policy 

Page last reviewed: 9 April 2024