Taxi Licences

There are two types of vehicle licence a Hackney Carriage licence and a licence for Private Hire vehicles.

The main difference between the two types of vehicle is that a Hackney Carriage can be flagged down and wait at designated taxi ranks where as a Private Hire vehicle must be pre-booked by telephone or personal call.

The whole licensing process is designed for the safety of the public by ensuring that the vehicles we license are safe, reliable and efficient and that the drivers we license are 'fit and proper'.

What is a Hackney Carriage?

A Hackney Carriage can stand and wait on an authorised taxi rank
It will display a yellow plate to the front and rear of the vehicle
It can ply for hire or be hailed by prospective passengers in the controlling district
It must be driven by a licensed Hackney Carriage Driver at all times whether or not the vehicle is working
Ilkeston and Long Eaton zone Hackney Carriages must have a fare meter and illuminated hire sign.

What is a Private Hire vehicle?

It must be pre-booked with a licensed Private Hire Operator
It will display a white plate on the rear bumper
It cannot stand on a rank and cannot ply for hire
It must not operate independently from a Private Hire Operator
A Private Hire vehicle must be driven by a licensed Private Hire driver
There are no regulations with regard to fares in Private Hire vehicles but it is advised that the cost of hiring should be agreed prior to the journey commencing.

Both types of vehicle are subject to mechanical testing and all vehicle documents are checked including appropriate insurance prior to the licence being issued.

For further information on vehicles please see the documents in the related documents below.

Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licence

We issue a combined licence enabling drivers to drive both types of licensed vehicle. It is our duty to ensure that the licensed drivers are suitable and the application process includes consideration of driving and criminal convictions.

Criminal record checks, knowledge tests and medical checks are all undertaken for each applicant to ensure that our licensed drivers are of a good and competent standard. This embraces our commitment to provide good quality services.

Private Hire Operator's licence

A Private Hire Operator's licence is required to enable a Private Hire vehicle to be despatched to a customer.

'Operate' has been defined in the act as follows:

"Operate" means in the course of business to make provision for the invitation or acceptance of bookings for a private hire vehicle'.

For further information on Private Hire Operator's Licence please see the documents in the related documents below.

Greener driving

Did you know that each car is on average responsible for emissions of 4.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year which is a major contibutor to global warming. Exhaust gases also cause major air quality problems at the local level, particularly in cities.

For a few tips to help you get the most from your car and save yourself some money whilst 'doing your bit' for the environment download the leaflet on Greener Driving Tips for Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Vehicle Drivers.

For further information please see the documents in the related documents below.

Use this link to the Taxi application downloads page to download the applications and guidance notes listed below:

Application form for a Hackney Carriage/Private Hire vehicle driver's licence to be accompanied by Mandate
Guidance notes in connection with making application for a Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Vehicle Driver's licence
Conditions for Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Vehicle Driver's licence
Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Vehicle application form and vehicle specification
Hackney Carriage licence conditions
Private Hire vehicle licence conditions
Private Hire Operator's licence application form
Private Hire Operator's licence conditions
Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licence Fees

Voluntary/Non-Profit Making Organisations and Minibuses

Minibus permits for Voluntary or Non-Profit making organisations are issued by the Department of Transport.

Taxi Forum

The next Taxi Forum is on 22 Feb 2010 in the Committee Room at Ilkeston 10am

Items for agenda are to be submitted to the Licensing Office at Long Eaton no later than 14 days before the meeting. New agenda items will not be taken on the day.

As from 28 January 2008 there will be changes to Private Hire vehicles, for further information please read the attachment in the related documents or alternatively contact us.

Further information or advice about Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing can be obtained from the Licensing Department:

Licensing Office
Development and Regulatory Services
Erewash Borough Council
Town Hall
Long Eaton
Derbyshire
NG10 1HU

Tel: 0115 907 1113
email: licensing@erewash.gov.uk