A licence is required before any person can drive a hackney carriage (taxi).

To apply
To apply for a new Hackney carriage driver's (taxi) licence you are required to fill in the following forms:

1. Hackney carriage licence application form [PDF] (36k)
2. DVLA mandate [PDF] (139k)
3. Medical form [PDF] (53k)
4. Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) form

Please note: You are required to make an appointment with us to collect and complete the CRB form as we issue them on behalf of the CRB, www.crb.gov.uk (this page opens in a new window), with a unique reference number. At this appointment we will also check the other forms you have filled in to make sure they have been completed correctly.

Please also refer to the hackney carriage driver application notes [PDF] (40k) for more information.

Eligibility criteria
Before the licence is granted the applicant is required to show the following:

• They are a fit and proper person to hold a licence
• They have taken and passed a Driving Standards Agency taxi driving test including the wheelchair exercise.
• They have taken and passed the Guildford Area hackney carriage driver's knowledge test. For more information see the Knowledge test guidance
• They are medically fit. For more information see www.DVLA.gov.uk (this page opens in a new window)
• They have attained the age of 21 years
• They have held a full driver's licence (not a provisional) for a minimum of 12 months
• They must have passed the police criminal record check carried out by the Criminal Records Bureau at least every three years to ensure safety to the public

Evidence required
The following documentation is required to be shown: 

• The completed application form
• The original DVLA driving licence showing the current address
• Pass certificate for the DSA taxi test.
• Passport or birth certificate
• Two colour passport type photographs taken within the last month
• The correct fee - see our hackney carriage and private hire fees and charges information and how to pay for your licence

Renewal procedure
Ensure that when you apply for a licence renewal, it is made at least four weeks before your licence expires to allow for the disclosure to be returned to the authority by the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) before the current licence expiry date. 

Renewal applications will not be accepted after a licence expiry date.

Appeals process
On the refusal of licence, applicant may appeal to a magistrates court within 21 days.

Legislation governing hackney carriages

• Town Police Clauses Act 1847
• Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976
• Transport Act 1985

Please contact the Licensing Team for further information or to make an appointment:

Licensing Team
Guildford Borough Council
Millmead House
Millmead
Guildford
Surrey
GU2 4BB

Tel: 01483 444371
Email: licensing@guildford.gov.uk