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Apply for a new taxi or private hire driver licence

Apply for a new taxi or private hire driver licence

Find out how to apply for a new Hackney carriage or private hire driver licence

We encourage you to apply online rather than attending the Citizen Service Point (CSP).

Email your application and scans / photographs of the supporting documents to licensing@bristol.gov.uk.

A member of the Licensing Team will then contact you via telephone to make payment.

We still need to see the original Medical and DBS certificate. This may change dependent on any future government advice.

If you do need to come in to the CSP we’re only open from 10am to 12pm, we will not see anyone outside of these times.

Who can apply

You can apply to become a taxi driver if:

  • you’re over 18 years old
  • you’ve held a full DVLA driving licence for at least 12 months.

How to apply

Before you apply you should read:

Driver's application form (pdf, 261KB) (opens new window) .

You'll need

You need the following with your completed application form:

  • Medical Examination report
  • three forms of identification (such as your passport, birth certificate, a utility bill or bank statement)
  • photocard driving licence or, if you got your driving licence before 1998, the paper driving licence
  • Enhanced DBS application form and  signed DBS Privacy Policy declaration
  • DVLA mandate
  • DSA pass certificate
  • Knowledge Test training certificate
  • BTEC Introduction to the role of the professional taxi and private hire driver (L2) certificate
  • payment
  • evidence of your right to work in the UK

We need at least 10 working days to process your application.

If you want someone else to discuss your application or licence with us on your behalf, you’ll need to give us written permission.

How much it costs

The cost of a one year licence is £54.

You’ll also need to pay a £19.50 application fee.

There are additional fees for the various checks and tests you need to complete.

See our full list of fees (pdf, 105 KB) (opens new window) (pdf, 105KB) (opens new window)

How long it lasts

New drivers will be issued with a one-year licence to begin with.  You’ll have the option to choose a longer licence after your first one has expired.

Criminal and driving convictions

If you’ve a criminal conviction or points you should read the convictions policy for hackney carriage and private hire drivers (pdf, 115KB) (opens new window) before you apply.  Your application might need to go to committee before a decision can be made.

Checks and tests

Find out about:

Contact information

Licensing Team

100 Temple Street

Bristol City Council

PO Box 3399

Bristol, BS1 9NE

Opening Hours

Drop in hours at Citizen Service Point, 100 Temple Street:

  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9am to 5pm
  • Wednesday: 10am to 5pm

We will close at 1pm on 24 December.

Office address

Citizen Service Point
100 Temple Street
Bristol
BS1 6AG

Email: licensing@bristol.gov.uk