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Guidance for new Taxi and Private Hire Drivers

Licensing yourself

Before you apply for your licence, you’ll need:

  • to take and pass our street knowledge test (SKT)
  • an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
  • a medical check up by your doctor

To apply for your licence, you’ll need to complete a form, pay a fee and send us certain evidence.

There are two types of licence - duals drivers and private hire. The licence you receive will depend on the score you achieve when you take your SKT. If you receive a:

  • dual drivers licence, you’ll be able to drive hackney carriage and private hire plated vehicles
  • private hire licence, you’ll only be able to drive private hire plated vehicles