Licence Summary

To drive a Private Hire or Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licensed by the Authority, an individual must hold a Driver’s Licence issued by the same Authority.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants for a Private Hire/Hackney carriage Driver’s Licence must be authorised to drive a motor car and they need to have been authorised to drive such a car for at least 12 months.  This is usually achieved by holding a full DVLA Driving Licence for category B vehicles. 

The Authority must also be satisfied that the applicant is fit and proper to hold such a Licence.

Regulation Summary

A summary of the eligibility criteria for this licence

Town Police Clauses Act 1847

Application Evaluation Process

The applicant will complete an application and submit this to the Authority with the required fee.  If they have not already done so, they will also need to book themselves for the following tests:

(1)   The Basic English Assessment

(2)   The Knowledge of the Bedford Area Test

(3)   The Driving Standards Assessment for Taxi/Private Hire Drivers

The Authority’s policy is that if individuals have not passed the above tests they will not normally be granted a Licence. 

The Authority will also obtain details of the information held on the applicant by the DVLA and submit an application for an Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure on the applicant.  Any driving licence endorsements and criminal records recorded will be assessed against the Authority’s Criminal Records Policies to determine whether the applicant would normally be refused a Licence. 

A medical examination may be required if there is any reason to believe that the applicant has a condition that could affect their ability to drive and/or the applicant is over 65 years of age.

Any other information that comes to light which brings the character of the applicant/Licensee into question will be considered.  Where the applicant has not been resident in the UK for the five years immediately prior to the application, a certificate will be requested from the country they were resident in during that period as to any criminal records against them.

Will Tacit Consent Apply?

No. It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from the local authority within a reasonable period, please contact it. You can do this online if you applied through the UK Welcomes service or use the contact details below.  The target completion period for processing these applications is 30 working days.

Apply online (You will need Version 9 (or higher) of Adobe Reader)

THIS FACILITY WILL BE AVAILABLE SHORTLY

You can download application forms using the links on this page.  Once signed, you can also return them electronically.  On-line payment of the required fee is available using the links on the left hand side of this web page.

Failed Application Redress

Please contact the Local Authority in the first instance.

Any applicant who is refused a licence can appeal to their local Magistrates' court

Licence Holder Redress

Please contact the Local Authority in the first instance. Any Licence Holder who is aggrieved by a condition attached to their Licence can appeal to their local Magistrates' court

Consumer Complaint

We would always advise that in the event of a complaint you should contact the Licensing Authority or if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre

Other Redress

None

Trade Associations

Private Hire & Taxi Monthly

National Taxi Association