Taxi Driving might be the right career choice for you if you appreciate the freedom of spending time behind the wheel, ferrying passengers safely, and providing service with a smile. It is the responsibility of taxi and private hire vehicle drivers to ensure the safety of their passengers. If you are looking to become a taxi driver and don’t know how to get a Taxi Driver’s Licence, you have come to the right place. Here we will guide you on how to get started and become a professional taxi driver in Uk.
How To Get A Taxi Driver Licence in UK ?
When it comes to becoming a taxi driver, you should consider several factors. A professional taxi driver must be licensed by the Passenger Transport Licensing Division, Driver and Vehicle Agency. To become a taxi driver, new drivers have to complete two stages. The first stage is to get, complete, and submit an application and the second stage is to pass theoretical and practical tests. However, you can also enroll in a driving school to learn how to drive first and then complete the above two stages.
First Stage | Application Process
When applying for a Taxi Driving Licence for the first time, you must consider the following criteria:
When applying for a taxi driver’s licence, the applicant’s previous convictions, health, and driving experience will be checked. Passenger Transport Licensing Division (PTLD) requires you to submit an enhanced disclosure application form along with the necessary identification documents with your application form. There is no additional fee for the enhanced disclosure. However, from 4 April 2022, HMRC introduced new tax checks for all taxi drivers. Licensed drivers are responsible for paying any taxes due on income earned. You can also find more information about new taxi driving license tests in the manual at https://tph.tfl.gov.uk/TfL/home.page
Second Stage | Passing Tests
The application for stage two can be made at the same time as the application for stage one, however, your license will only be issued once all the requirements have been met.
You need to apply and pass the following tests:
In theory knowledge test you have to pass all the requirements required for driving a taxi that including knowledge of routes, Road signs, traffic laws, Highway codes, etc.
In the Taxi driver practical test you have to give practical test driving on both rural and urban roads. There will be a minimum of one hour of driving. Your driving skills and knowledge of road safety standards, as well as your ability to apply them, must be proven to the examiner. You can drive a taxi safely and comfortably while taking into account the comfort and safety of your passengers.
After passing all of the above tests you will be given a badge. A taxi driver should wear a badge showing their license number and display any other identification evidence where passengers can easily see it. A taxi operator can only list one licensed driver at a time.
How Much Does It Cost To Get A Taxi Driver’s Licence?
Taxi driver’s license applications cost between £430 and £450, depending on your location. The fee for the initial application is around £250, including a skills assessment fee of around £40, a ‘Knowledge’ or ‘Cabology’ test fee of around £75, and a £66.60 enhanced DBS check.
Additional fees may apply if you need to provide a medical certificate as well. Again the answer depends on where you live.
Where is to Apply For A Taxi Driving Licence ?
To find out how to apply for your taxi driver’s license and what you need to provide, visit your local council’s website. It generally takes 12-16 weeks, but in cities such as London, where there are more applicants, it may take much longer.
However, if you have any questions regarding a driver’s license, contact your local council or visit the website