Apply for a taxi driver licence (including Hackney Carriage and Private Hire)

Stage 1 - English test

You must complete and pass an English Test at ESOL entry 3 in speaking, listening and reading unless you have an English qualification to the same level or above completed in the UK. If you have an existing qualification, please send your qualification certificate via email to the Licensing Team at Licensing@kirklees.gov.uk for verification.

If you do not hold an English qualification at ESOL entry 3 or above, you will need to contact the licensing team at licensing@kirklees.gov.uk to access the new local Kirklees ESOL provision that is in place for you from Monday 31st October.

To access the ESOL provision you will need to pay a fee of £30 using either a debit or credit card. You will need to have your debit / credit card handy when you speak to us. When we talk to you to take payment, we will also book you on to attend an ESOL session at Crosland Moor Community Centre, 15 Park Road West, HD4 5RX.

The venue is an excellent venue and there is ample free parking available for when you attend your appointment. Should you pass your assessment you will then move to Stage 2 of the application process.

If you do not pass your ESOL assessment, you will be able to get some really helpful, additional support to help you reach the required standard. This will be explained to you in more detail should be unsuccessful at the initial attempt.

We look forward to receiving your initial interest in applying to become licensed with Kirklees Council.

Stage 2 - Training and Tests

This compromises of a theory training course and Theory Test and is all covered within one session.

You must complete the training and pass both the theory test and the geographical knowledge test in order to move on in the process to become a licensed driver.

The Theory Test consists of the following 4 modules which will all be covered on the theory training course:

• Regulatory framework (legislation) of the private hire and Hackney carriage industry
• Professional standards
• Safeguarding
• Equalities and disability

Following completion of the theory training course officers will go through the driver conditions with all participants and they will be required to sign to agree they have read and understood the conditions. Then officers will go through the online application process with participants.

Practical driver training test

You must pass a practical driver training test. This can be completed at any stage but, must be completed and passed prior to submission of your application. The pass certificate must be dated within the twelve-month period before submission of an application.

Approved suppliers

Alternatively, you can book a test through one of our approved suppliers:

We will also accept a driven test that has been completed by any driven test provider approved by another West Yorkshire Authority.

Tax requirements

If you are applying for a licence for the first time, you do not need to complete a tax check. However, you:

• should read confirm your tax responsibilities when applying for a taxi, private hire or scrap metal licence on what you need to do to be properly registered for tax when you renew your licence.
• confirm when you submit your application that you have done this.

Other requirements before you submit your application

• You must have held a full DVLA driving licence for a minimum of 2 years.
• You must provide proof that you have the right to work in the UK.
• You must have fully read the Statement of Fitness and Suitability. This is particularly relevant. If you have any criminal convictions or cautions this could result in your application being refused.
• You must pass a medical with your registered doctor to Group 2 Standard (for people with a driving job). Your medical must have been completed by your GP less than 6 months prior to the submission of your application. The fee will be payable directly to your GP and may vary at each GP practice.
• You must undertake an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and sign up to the DBS Update Service. Payment of £56 will be taken at the time of your application submission. You also pay:
  • an additional £12.50 fee. This is paid to the post office to verify your documents once you have completed the online application form.
  • £13 up front and annually directly to the DBS to sign up for the online update service.
  Failure to sign up to the update service or pay the annual fee will result in the suspension of your licence.
• You must provide a DVLA check code.
• You must provide a valid email address.