How to become a taxi driver

How to apply

Contact the Licensing Office to get an application pack. The pack is not available on the web site. We need your full name and address to send you the pack.

Read the information in the pack carefully. Don't apply until you are ready to complete all the steps.

The CRB check will only be valid for six months. If you do not complete all the other stages within that six month period, you will have to pay to repeat the CRB check.

There are charges for applying (msword, 36 KB). These are revised on 1 April each year.

What is the difference between a hackney carriage and private hire driver?

There are two types of driver licences issued by the council private hire and hackney carriage driver.

Hackney carriage drivers

• Can be flagged down or pick up from taxi ranks.
• Hackney carriage drivers can work for a private hire operator as well as picking passengers up from the street or taxi ranks.
• Drivers can either own their own vehicle or rent or hire a vehicle from an existing proprietor.

Private hire drivers

• Cannot be flagged down and cannot pick up from taxi ranks.
• Private hire drivers are booked by an operator.
• In order to apply to be a private hire driver you need to work for a private hire operator.
• In some cases private hire drivers may hold their own individual operator licence.
• Drivers either own their private hire vehicle or rent a vehicle from a private hire operator.

Is the application procedure different for hackney carriage or private hire drivers?

The main difference is that hackney carriage drivers must have a more detailed knowledge of the city.

• Hackney carriage drivers have to score 90% in the Bristol knowledge test.
• Private hire drivers need to score 75%.

What do I need to become a taxi driver?

• You have to submit an application form (see 'How to apply section').
• You must have held a full driving licence for at least one year. Full driving licences from EU member countries are acceptable.
• Have a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check.
• Pass an Essential Skills test.
• Pass a Bristol Knowledge test.
• Pass the driving standards agency taxi driving test.
• Provide satisfactory medical documentation.

Please read the taxi driver information document (pdf, 100 KB) for further information.

Can I still become a taxi driver if I have criminal convictions or points on my driving licence?

We will send your application to the council's regulatory committee and they consider each application on its own merits.

The Convictions Policy for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Drivers (pdf, 131 KB) says how this will be decided.