Driver licence FAQs - whilst you are licensed
I already hold a private hire driver licence. Can I add hackney carriage driving?
Yes.
If you hold a private hire driver licence and want to be authorised to drive hackney carriage vehicles as well, you can usually apply to amend your licence.
You must pass the council’s topographical knowledge test first. You then need to submit the relevant application form and fee. The expiry date of your licence does not change.
Can the council review my licence after it has been granted?
Yes.
If information comes to light that raises concerns about whether you remain suitable to hold a licence, the council can review your licence. This could include information from Disclosure and Barring Service checks, police disclosure, driving licence checks, medical information, right to work information, complaints, or information you provide yourself.
What can happen after a review?
Depending on the circumstances, the council may:
- take no action;
- issue a warning;
- require further training or assessment;
- suspend the licence;
- revoke the licence.
Can my licence be suspended or revoked immediately?
Yes, in serious cases.
If the council considers that public safety requires immediate action, suspension or revocation can take effect straight away. The policies also allow immediate suspension on medical grounds where information suggests that a driver is no longer medically fit.
Can the council receive information from the police?
Yes.
The Disclosure and Barring Service is not the only source of information. The council may also receive information from the police under Common Law Police Disclosure where there is a public protection risk. That information can be considered when deciding whether you are, or remain, fit and proper.
What should I do if I move house, or my personal details change?
You must tell the council if any of your personal details change. This includes if you:
- move house (within 7 days);
- change your name (within 7 days);
- change your email address; or
- change your telephone number.
You should do this as soon as possible, and within any timescale set out in your licence conditions or the council’s taxi licensing policy.
The council needs to hold your correct details so that it can contact you about your licence. This may include important information about renewals, complaints, checks, warnings, or other licensing matters.
If you do not keep your details up to date, you may miss important correspondence. This could affect your licence.
If your name has changed, you may need to provide evidence of the change, such as a marriage certificate, civil partnership certificate, deed poll, or other official document.
You may also need to return your licence document or driver badge so that an updated version can be issued. A fee may be payable for a replacement document.
You should check the policy or contact the licensing team if you are not sure what you need to provide.
Do I need to tell the council if I am arrested, charged, cautioned or convicted of an offence?
Yes.
You must tell the licensing authority as soon as reasonably practicable, and within no more than 48 hours, if you are:
- arrested;
- charged with an offence;
- given a caution;
- convicted of an offence; or
- given a fixed penalty.
This includes motoring offences, but not parking tickets.
You must tell the licensing authority even if the matter does not relate to your work as a licensed driver, vehicle proprietor, or operator.
The licensing authority will consider the information and decide whether it affects your licence or your suitability to remain licensed.
Not every matter will automatically mean that action is taken against your licence. However, failing to report it may be treated seriously and could affect whether you are considered a fit and proper person to hold a licence.
Yes.
You must tell the licensing authority as soon as reasonably practicable, and within no more than 48 hours, if you are arrested, charged, cautioned, convicted, or given a fixed penalty for a motoring offence.
This includes offences or penalties involving your ordinary driving licence, not just offences committed while working as a licensed driver.
Examples may include speeding, using a mobile phone while driving, careless driving, drink or drug driving, driving without insurance, or any other offence that may affect your Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) driving record.
The licensing authority may ask for more information or carry out checks to decide whether the matter affects your licence.
You should not wait until your licence renewal to tell the licensing authority about a driving offence or fixed penalty.
Do I need to tell the council if I develop a medical condition?
Yes, if you hold a driver licence.
You must tell the licensing authority as soon as reasonably practicable, and within no more than 72 hours, if you develop a medical condition that might affect your ability to drive a motor vehicle.
This includes any condition, diagnosis, treatment, medication, or change in health that could affect your fitness to drive safely.
The licensing authority may ask you to provide medical information or an updated medical certificate. It may also need to consider whether you continue to meet the required medical standard for licensed drivers.
You should not wait until your next medical check or licence renewal if your health changes during the period of your licence.
If you are not sure whether a medical condition needs to be reported, you should contact the licensing team for advice.