Apply for a new private hire driver's licence

Find out what you need to complete an application, how to complete an application and what happens after you have submitted your application.

After submitting your application

Providing further documents after submitting your application

If you need to provide further evidence in support of your application, please submit using the Upload Evidence Facility. 

Essential skills assessment

All new driver applicants will be required to sit the Essential Skills Assessment (ESA) as part of their application. This assessment will test your spoken and written English skills in addition to the fundamentals of being a taxi driver badged by KMBC. Once your application has been checked, an invitation will be sent to the email address provided on the application confirming the time, date, location and will also contain a video outlining the essential information needed to pass the ESA, detailing  for this assessment.

All applicants are allowed 2 attempts to pass. If you are unable to attend the assessment, please follow the information within the invitation email to make us aware. Failure to attend without following this guidance may be classed as one of your attempts. 

DVLA check

By applying for a driver's licence, you are consenting to an online DVLA record check to be undertaken by the Council at no extra cost to you before the grant of your licence. 

National Register of Refusals, Revocations and Suspensions (NR3S) check

By applying for a driver's licence, you are consenting to a check of the NR3S register, before the grant of your licence.

Receiving your new licence and badges

Once your application, including all required documents, is processed, a new licence document will be emailed as a PDF. 

If you have declared a Private Hire Operator and they accept via email, they will also receive a copy of the licence. The email will contain instructions for collecting your badges.

When will the process take longer?

Supporting evidence listed in points 1-8 here must be provided during the application process. If your application is incomplete or incorrect, it will take longer to process.

  • The name and address on all documents must match and be spelt the same. If there are any discrepancies with the names on the documents, then the application will not be able to be processed further until the correct documents have been received.
  • If your DBS certificate or DVLA licence check reveals convictions for offences that are not clear of our guidelines. 
  • If your NR3 check shows previous refusal, revocation, or suspension.

If you need to notify us of a change such as name, address or email, please complete the change of details online form

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