Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing
Taxi licensing ensures the safety of the public by making sure drivers are fit and proper, and that the vehicles they drive are safe, suitable, and reliable.
Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Policies
Each Council that licenses taxis publishes a document that explains how it governs the operation, safety, and standards of taxi services in its area. This is the Council’s Hackney Carriage and Private Hire licensing policy.
The licensing policy explains what taxi licence holders must do to comply with safety, legal, and insurance rules. It also sets guidelines for customer service, safety, and ethics. The licensing policy aims to balance public safety, consumer rights, and fair taxi industry operation in each Council’s area.
If you want to apply for a taxi licence, you should first read and understand the licensing policy of the council you are applying to.
The six district Councils of Worcestershire have each adopted a Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy. The policy for each Council can be downloaded via the links below:
Bromsgrove District Council’s Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy
Malvern Hills District Council’s Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy
Redditch Borough Council’s Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy
Wychavon District Council’s Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy
Worcester City Council’s Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy
Wyre Forest District Council’s Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy
Worcestershire Taxi and Private Hire Competency Certificate
All Council policies require applicants for driver licences to obtain the Worcestershire Taxi and Private Hire Competency Certificate. The Certificate confirms the applicant has the required knowledge and skills to be a licensed taxi driver.
To be issued with a Certificate, applicants must complete a one-day training and assessment course, and a practical driving assessment.
The training will be in the following key areas:
- English language proficiency – both spoken and written
- Numeracy
- Legislation and policies affecting taxi and private hire licence holders
- Practical driving proficiency
- Safeguarding – including Child Sexual Exploitation, County Lines and Modern Slavery
- Equalities – including assisting passengers with disabilities
- Customer care
At the end of the training you will take a test to confirm you have the level of skills, knowledge and understanding needed to be a taxi driver.
The Certificate scheme is managed by Worcestershire County Council. For more information on the Certificate, including booking a course date, contact the WCC Driver Training team on: 01905 843000 (Monday to Friday: 9.00am to 4.30pm) or by email: taxidriver@worcestershire.gov.uk
Note: If you want to become a Hackney Carriage driver you will also need to take a local knowledge test. This is booked with the Council you are applying to. You can arrange this by emailing enquiries@worcsregservices.gov.uk.