Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licences

The Council is responsible for the issue of Licences in respect of Hackney Carriages and Private Hire Vehicles. It seeks to ensure that a high standard is maintained for the comfort and safety of passengers and provides information for all users of the service.

Useful contacts for travelling by taxi for people with disabilities

The Council has compiled a list of taxi operators who are able to provide a service for people with a disability.

This authority does not endorse any services provided.

Hackney Carriage Licences

A Hackney Carriage can ply for hire in the street. They must display "Taxi" and "For Hire" signs. They do not need to be pre-booked.

There are two types of Hackney Carriage Licence:

(1) Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licence

This Licence is valid for twelve months. The vehicles must be mechanically examined at the Council's Langston Road Depot prior to the issue of the Licence and at times specified in the Licence Conditions.

(2) Hackney Carriage Driver's Licence

This Licence is valid for twelve months. A medical is required on the first application and thereafter every five years (over the age of 45) or every year (over the age of 65). A search at the Criminal Records Bureau is also made.

Private Hire Vehicles

Private Hire Vehicles may only accept pre-booked contracts, i.e., arranged by telephone or in person at the Operator's premises. They are not permitted to ply for hire and could invalidate their insurance policy if they take fares that are not booked in advance.

There are three types of Private Hire Licence:

(1) Private Hire Operator's Licence

This Licence is valid for twelve months.

(2) Private Hire Vehicle Licence

This Licence is valid for twelve months. Vehicles must be examined, as required by the Council's Licence Conditions, at the Council's Langston Road Depot.

(3) Private Hire Driver's Licence

This is to the same procedure as outlined above for a Hackney Carriage Driver's Licence.

How to make an application

You will need to apply for an application pack directly from the Licensing Section by email at licensing@eppingforestdc.gov.uk or alternatively by calling the Section direct on 01992 564461.. Once you receive the pack you must complete all forms in black ink. Once you have completed the forms you will need to return them to the Licensing Section in the pre-paid envelope enclosed.

Please note we operate an appointment system when applying for a licence on Monday-Friday 9.00am-4.00pm. Please call the Taxi Licensing Unit on 01992 564270 or 564461 to arrange an appointment.

Epping Forest Taxi Test

You will be given a test on a computer package. The test consists of multiple choice questions and you will have to select A, B, C or D.

An example of a question could be "What road is St Margaret's Hospital on?"

You will need to familiarise yourself with places of interest, towns, public houses, train stations, supermarkets, hospitals etc in the district. You will not need to know a route but you will need to know the road a particular place of interest/premises is situated. You will also be asked questions on the Highway Code, equality, motorway rules and signs. You will also need to be familiar with the authority's licence conditions.

Should you require any aids or adaptations at the test due to a disability please let the Licensing Section know so that we can make suitable arrangements.

Useful tools for revision: The DSA Theory Test Book for Car Drivers and the Official Highway Code.

Knowledge test fee £42.00

Re-test fee £21.00

You will also be shown a short training DVD that relates to the promotion of passenger awareness.

You would be required to undergo a Criminal Record Check and Group Two Medical to make an application to be a licensed driver.

The Criminal Records Disclosure fee is £44.00 to be paid at your first appointment, we accept debit cards, cash and cheques.

When you attend the Council Offices for your appointment, it will be necessary for you to bring the appropriate documentation as listed below depending upon the type of licence that you are applying for:

(1) Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver's Licence

Driving Licence paper counterpart and photo card
Valid Passport or Birth Certificate
2 x recent household bills in your name
National Insurance number
You will need to have held a DVLA licence for 3 years
You will also need to provide address history for the last five years.

(2) Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Licence

Driving Licence paper counterpart and photo card
Valid Passport or Birth Certificate
2 x recent household bills in your name
National Insurance number

(3) Private Hire Operator's Licence

Driving Licence paper counterpart and photo card
Valid Passport or Birth Certificate
2 x recent household bills in your name
National Insurance number

Renewal of Licences by post

The Licensing Team offers a service to renew existing licences by post. All existing licensed drivers will receive the relevant application pack and explanatory notes in the post approximately one month before the renewal is due.

Conditions

Fees

Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Licence Fees

Consultation - Taxi Ranks and the Installation of Meters in Hackney Carriages

For further information:

Telephone: 01992 564034
Email: licensing@eppingforestdc.gov.uk
Fax: 01992 561016
Address: Licensing Section, Corporate Support Services, Epping Forest District Council, Civic Offices, High Street, Epping CM16 4BZ