Taxi (hackney carriage)
You must take and pass all tests before you submit an application. Only complete applications will be accepted. Please see information below detailing all requirements.
You’ll need to complete a tax check when you renew your licence as a:
– driver of a taxi (hackney carriage)
– driver of a private hire vehicle (and dual licences)
– private hire vehicle operator
Please note the licensing team cannot answer any questions relating to Income Tax.
Licensed hackney carriages can be hailed in the street or from taxi ranks in the Reading borough area.
Driver licence
A driver’s licence is for the driver of a vehicle. You will also need a vehicle licence for the vehicle itself.
Before you apply:
- You must sign up to the DBS update service when you apply for your next DBS certificate. Tell us the reference details it gives you. If you have mislaid the reference details, you will have to do a new DBS check.
- You must sign up for the DVLA online check and provide a check code with your application. The code you give will only be available to us for 21 days.
- You must pass the driver knowledge and location test, the practical test and the safeguarding training.
You must apply at least six weeks before your current licence expires (but not before 12 weeks). You cannot drive without a valid licence.
A complete application includes:
- the application form
- the fee and DBS fee
- all relevant supporting documents:
- DVLA check code and copy of your DVLA licence
- your Medical Examination Report – completed by your GP (medical examination guidance)
- a passport-style photo
- a passport or UK birth certificate
- Proof of right to work share code
- DBS check code
- your driving pass certificate
We need all this information before we can issue a licence. We cannot guarantee to issue your new licence if you do not allow us at least six weeks to process the application. You won’t be able to drive your vehicle until we issue the new licence.
Further information
Hackney carriage driver’s licence conditions
Tests
You must complete the theory and location tests before submitting an application. You can pay the £43 fee for the theory test using our miscellaneous payments form.
Pre-test pack for hackney carriage driver knowledge and location test
- Mann Fleet Taxi Testing
- IAM RoadSmart
- Blue Lamp Trust
- Diamond Advanced Motorists
- Green Penny
- Drivetech
Ask for a saloon test and wheelchair assessment.
Safeguarding
You must undertake safeguarding training to drive a hackney carriage.
Once you have completed your training, you need to submit a copy of your certificate when you apply.
You can book yourself on one of our training dates – the fee for this is £22.50. View possible training dates
Points on your licence
Generally, 3 points on your DVLA licence will not affect your application. If you have 6 points or more, we will refer the application to a senior office or a committee to decide.
Vehicle licence
Vehicle testing
Authorised Testing Centres:
Universal Commercial Vehicles
5 Deacon Way, Reading, RG30 6AZ
0118 942 6666
www.ucvltd.co.uk
or
Autocraft
21-23 Boulton Rd, Reading, RG2 0NH,
United Kingdom
0118 931 1345
https://autocraft.edan.io/
You must arrange a test for your vehicle at an authorised test facility. You can then complete an online vehicle licence form.
| Age of vehicle | Frequency of MOT | Frequency of compliance test |
| Under 3 years | Not required | Once a year |
| 3 to 5 years | Once a year | Once a year |
| 5 years and over | Twice a year | Twice a year |
Pre-application service
We offer support services for customers applying for a licence for the first time.
- Pre-application (application form and documents only)
This costs £98.
We will give application advice and ensure the application is complete. - Pre-application and operator’s site visit/vehicle inspection (application form, documents and 1 hour visit)
This costs £157.
This includes:- the work covered in the basic pre-application service
- one hour operator’s site visit and vehicle inspection. If the inspection will take longer than one hour, it will cost a further £98
Disabled access
All hackney carriage vehicles should be able and willing to carry disabled passengers. The driver of the vehicle has certain legal responsibilities when doing so.
- To allow the passenger to travel while in the wheelchair and not make any extra charge
- If the passenger chooses to sit in a passenger seat, to carry the wheelchair
- To make any necessary steps to make sure the passenger’s journey is safe and comfortable
- To give the passenger any necessary and reasonable mobility help – this includes:
- helping them into and out of the vehicle
- if they want to stay in the wheelchair for the journey allow them to get into and out of the vehicle in the wheelchair
- load their luggage into and out of vehicle
- if they do not want to travel in the wheelchair for the journey, load the wheelchair into and out of the vehicle
You have a duty to carry guide dogs, hearing dogs and other prescribed helper dogs. You cannot charge extra for carrying the dog.
You can apply for exemption to this rule if you can show you have a medical condition caused by exposure to dogs. Any driver who we have not granted an exemption to and who refuses to carry such a dog is guilty of a criminal offence.
Refused application
If we refuse or revoke your licence you have a right to appeal within 21 days of the decision. We cannot offer guidance on making an appeal. You should seek independent legal advice.
Last updated on 06/12/2024
Taxi (hackney carriage)