How to become a Hackney Carriage or Private Hire Driver

Applicants need to apply by application form, which can be downloaded, obtained by post or by calling in at the Council Offices at Darby House, Lawn Central, Telford, TF3 4JA.

Licences are issued for 6 months to new drivers, and valid for one year for all subsequent licences. All new Private Hire Drivers are required to complete a NVQ Level 2 in Passenger Transport within the first 12 months of being licensed.

To grant a driver's licence the Council have to cardecide whether or not you are a "fit and proper person". This involves a series of tests and checks being carried out with various organisations so that the Council can determine your application fairly and consistently.

If any issues arise from these checks, the application may be referred to the Licensing Committee, which consists of local councillors, who meet to consider such matters.

The checks and tests that are carried out are as follows: