How to apply for a taxi licence

We issue licences for:

  • hackney carriage and private hire drivers
  • hackney carriage and private hire vehicles
  • private hire operators

All application forms and guidance documents are available to view or download below.

Driver licences

To apply for a driver licence, you must be a fit and proper person. You will need to:

  1. Complete a driver application form.
  2. Pay the application fee.
  3. Complete an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) Certificate (Police check).
  4. Submit a Group 2 Medical Certificate from your GP.
  5. Complete the Barnardo’s online CSE training.
  6. Pass our knowledge test (covers law, disability awareness, and local area knowledge).
  7. Provide proof of your right to work in the UK.
  8. Pass a taxi driving assessment within 12 months of receiving your licence.

Application information:

Private Hire Driver Application

Hackney Carriage Driver Application

Dual Driver Application (HC/PH)

Vehicle licences

To licence a hackney carriage or private hire vehicle, you must:

  1. Complete a vehicle application form.
  2. Pay the application fee.
  3. Pass a mechanical inspection at our depot.
  4. Ensure the vehicle meets the our licensing policy.
  5. Provide a valid vehicle insurance certificate, including public liability insurance (minimum £5 million).

Application information:

Private Hire Vehicle Application

Hackney Carriage Vehicle Application

Private hire operator licences

To apply for an operator licence, you must:

  • be a fit and proper person
  • provide a basic DBS check (if you do not already hold a driver licence)
  • have operating premises within the Hartlepool borough

Application information:

Private Hire Operator Application

Fees and charges

All fees are reviewed annually.
View the latest Taxi Licensing Fees and Charges.