Taxi & minicab licence

Taxi licence applications and renewals

Hackney Carriage/ Private Hire Driver Renewal

To renew your hackney carriage / private hire drivers licence, please click here which will take you to the new online application form.

As part of the application process, you will need to attach the required documents including your driver's licence, passport, bank statement and council tax bill. 

Please note that you will need to provide proof of payment with your application, therefore you are required to pay the licence fee before you complete the online application form. Payment can be made using the clicking here. 

If you require a DBS Certificate the fee is £146 for one licence or £180 for two licences.  

Please note with effect from 2nd December 2024 the fees in relation to the Discloure and Barring Service will be as follows:
Application fee (charge levied by DBS) £49.50 and Admin Fee £23.00 (therefore the total cost for a new DBS will be £72.50)
Update Service Fee £16.00

If you are on the DBS update service, the fees are as follows:  

• One year - £85 single licence (£119 two licences)  

• Two years - £122 single licence (£156 two licences) 

• Three years - £159 single licence (£193 two licences)  

For any additional badges it is an price of £34 added onto the price of one badge.

If you are on the DBS update service, you will need to take a copy of your DBS certificate to add to the application. If you are not on the DBS update service, you will need to apply for a new DBS.  

You can apply for a new DBS by clicking here.

Organisation reference:  NCCPPL  
Password: NCC 

You will also need to provide us with a DVLA activation code which you can get by clicking here. This code is case sensitive, please record as capital letters or small case letters.

Private Hire vehicle renewal 

To renew your private hire vehicle licence, please click here which will take you to the new online application form.

The fee for a hackney carriage/private hire vehicle licence is £241 or where the vehicle is LPG or bio-diesel, £241. 

Please note that you will need to provide proof of payment with your application, therefore you are required to pay the licence fee before you complete the online application form. 

Payment can be made by clicking here.  

Please book your MOT/Compliance test at one of the Northumberland County Council garages below: -

• Alnwick Depot – 01670 624392  
• Stakeford Depot – 01670 622937  
• Tyne Mills Depot – 01670 623746  

Should you require any further information, please contact us at licensing@northumberland.gov.uk.

Hackney Carriage Vehicle renewal

To renew your hackney carriage vehicle licence, please click here which will take you to the new online application form.

New drivers

We are now processing new driver applications. Please email licensing@northumberland.gov.uk to book your knowledge test and Child & Adult Sexual Exploitation Training (CASE). Once you have passed the knowledge/locality test a member of the team will send you a private hire and/or hackney carriage drivers application form together with a group 2 medical application to be completed by your GP. Applicants should enquire with their GP as soon as possible as to whether they can access appointments for medical certificates. Licences cannot be granted without satisfactory medical certificates. 

 

Knowledge tests

You will need to pass a knowledge test which is now remote on a one to one basis and conducted via a virtual meeting using either microsoft teams or Google meet. To book a knowledge test please email licensing@northumberland.gov.uk A member of the team will take your payment and book you onto the next available test or at a time convenient to you. Please note there is a short waiting list at present. 

Child & Adult Sexual Exploitation Training (CASE)

As a temporary measure, CASE training is also currently being conducted remotely. To book onto the training please email licensing@northumberland.gov.uk A member of the team will take your payment and book you onto the next available training session. 

New vehicle applications

Applications are being processed but proprietors should contact the licensing section to discuss. 

​The preferred contact method with the licensing department is by e-mail: 

• licensing@northumberland.gov.uk  
• Alternatively, applicants can ring the Councils Customer Services Centre on 0345 600 6400 

A hackney carriage is a public transport vehicle with no more than eight passenger seats and is licensed for customers to hire. It may stand at ranks, be hailed in the street by members of the public, or can be used on a pre-booked basis.

 As a result of local government reorganisation in Northumberland, there are currently six hackney carriage zones:

1. Alnwick  
2. Berwick-upon-Tweed  
3. Blyth Valley  
4. Castle Morpeth  
5. Tynedale 
6. Wansbeck  

A hackney carriage licensed in one zone may not be licensed for hire in another in Northumberland, or elsewhere in the country. Relevant bylaws apply to each zone, to control the conduct of both proprietors and drivers. 
The law allows a council to require that a hackney carriage is clearly identified through design features. The council has applied standards for hackney carriages to ensure they are: 

• suitable in type, size and design 
• in a suitable mechanical condition 
• safe 
• comfortable 

 

In addition to the above general requirements, the council has exercised its discretion to apply the following standards: 

• Clear display of a licence plate provided by the council on the exterior of the vehicle. It must be securely attached to the rear of the vehicle by rivets, bolts or screws, an alternative location may be agreed upon to accommodate the vehicle design. 
• Fitted with an approved taxi meter and sealed to the satisfaction of the council. 
• Clear display of a council-supplied door marker, placed centrally on each of the front doors of the vehicle. The markers are to be securely fixed to the vehicle doors at all times. 
• Fitted with a roof sign of a particular size and design. Please see here for more details about Hackney Carriage roof signs. 
• Display the vehicle licensing details inside the vehicle in a form provided by the council. 
• Permit any passenger to communicate with the driver, either directly or through an approved communication system. 
• Have adequate space for luggage and folded wheelchair. 
• Each individual seat must be a minimum of 400mm (16") in width. The council may reduce the permitted number of passengers specified by the vehicle manufacturer. The licensing officer will determine this if the seating doesn’t conform, or for other reasons associated with the comfort and safety of passengers.

Applications for a new hackney carriage vehicle licence must demonstrate a vehicle suitable in type, size and construction to carry people in wheelchairs. 

  

 

Private hire vehicles must have no more than eight passenger seats and must be booked in advance through a licensed private hire operator. They cannot be hired in the street.

 Any vehicle used as a private hire vehicle must be licensed under section 48(1)(a) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, which requires the council to be satisfied that any vehicle is: 

 

• Suitable in type, size and design. 

• Not have a design and appearance that may lead a person to believe it is a hackney carriage. 

• In a suitable, safe mechanical condition. 

• Comfortable. 

 

In addition to the statutory requirements as set out above, the council has exercised its discretion and private hire vehicles must also: 

 

• Not be fitted with a roof sign of any description. This could lead a person to believe that the vehicle is a hackney carriage. 

• Clearly display a licence plate provided by the council on the exterior of the rear of the vehicle. This must be securely attached to the vehicle by rivets, bolts or screws. 

• Display a door marker supplied by the council centrally on each of the front doors of the vehicle. The markers should be securely fixed to vehicle doors at all times. 

• Display the vehicle licensing details inside the vehicle in a form provided by the council. 

• Permit any passenger to communicate with the driver, either directly or through an approved communication system. 

• Have a boot or load carrying area with adequate space for the safe and secure storage of luggage. Saloon or estate vehicles should not have this area within the passenger compartment. This area should never interfere with the safe access and exit of passengers and the minimum space required must allow a folded wheelchair to be carried. 

 

If the vehicle is fitted with a meter, it must be properly tested, sealed and approved by the council. 
The seating capacity of the vehicle will be determined by the council. Each individual seat must be a minimum of 400mm (16") in width. If the seating does not conform to this, or if the comfort and safety of the passengers is questioned, the council may reduce the permitted number of passengers. 

The Licensing & Regulatory Committee met on 15 February 2023, where it was decided that the proposed 5% tariff increase, that was recently consulted upon, was agreed and will come into effect as of Monday 22 May 2023.

We will arrange for the new tariff sheets to be available for collection at the Customer Service points around Northumberland.

• Hackney Carriage Licencing Meter Calibration Certificate from 22 May 2023

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Licensing Department at Licensing@northumberland.gov.uk.

TARIFF 1
For the first 500 yards or part thereof - £2.70
For each subsequent 86 yards or part thereof - 10p
Waiting time: per 30 seconds or part thereof - 20p
 
TARIFF 2:   Between 11pm and 7am and all day Sundays and Public Holidays
For the first 500 yards or part thereof - £3.30
For each subsequent 68 yards or part thereof  - 10p
Waiting time per 30 seconds or part thereof - 20p
 
TARIFF 3:  Between 6pm on 24 December and 3am on 27 December and between 6pm on 31 December and 3am on 2 January
For the first 500 yards or part thereof - £5.30
For each subsequent 86 yards or part thereof - 20p
Waiting time: per 30 seconds or part thereof - 40p
           
TARIFF 4 (More than four passengers)
For the first 500 yards or part thereof - £3.10
For each subsequent 86 yards or part thereof - 10p
Waiting time: per 30 seconds or part thereof - 20p
 
TARIFF 5: (More than four passengers) Between 11pm and 7am and all day Sundays and Public Holidays
For the first 500 yards or part thereof - £3.60
For each subsequent 68 yards or part thereof - 10p
Waiting time per 30 seconds or part thereof - 20p
 
TARIFF 6: (More than four passengers) Between 6pm on 24 December and 3am on 27 December and between 6pm on 31 December and 3am on 2 January
For the first 500 yards or part thereof - £5.30
For each subsequent 86 yards or part thereof - 20p
Waiting time: per 30 seconds or part thereof - 40p
 
Soiling Charge (except children under 14 years of age) - £63.00
Dogs (excluding guide dogs) or other animal - £1.10
Each item of Luggage, pram, wheeled trolley - £1.10

To issue a licence, the council must be satisfied the applicant is fit to hold a driver’s licence and has been entitled to drive a motor car for at least 12 months.

The council’s duty is to ensure that conditions are met, and each applicant must be able to demonstrate this. In addition to the statutory requirements, the council will exercise its discretion and all applicants are subject to additional conditions. 
 
All new applicants for driver’s licences will be required to: 

• Pass a test.
• Submit a medical certificate. 
• Provide access to their driving entitlement/endorsements. 
• Apply for an enhanced disclosure and barring service certificate (DBS). 
• Provide proof of their identity and entitlement to work in the UK. 

Please click here for a sample list of questions you may get on the Hackney Carriage test.  
 
DBS Applications: 
We are now offering applicants the opportunity to use an online system to submit DBS applications. 
 
The website address is: https://www.matrixscreening.com/nereo
The organisation reference is: NCCPPL 
Password:  NCC 
 
Please click here for guidance notes on this system. 
 
For specific queries regarding medical issues or criminal convictions, please contact the licensing section for informal advice. 

Click here to learn about changes for taxi, private hire or scrap metal licence applications from April 2022

The rules are changing if you’re an individual, company or any type of partnership applying for a licence for a:

• taxi driver 
• private hire driver 
• private hire vehicle operator 

If you make an application on or after 4 April 2022 you’ll need to complete a tax check if you’re: 

• renewing a licence 
• applying for the same type of licence you previously held, that ceased being valid less than a year ago 
• applying for the same type of licence you already hold with another licensing authority 

You must carry out the tax check yourself. You cannot ask a tax agent or adviser to do this on your behalf. The tax check will ask questions about how you pay any tax that may be due on income you earn from your licensed trade. 

After you have completed the tax check you will be given a 9-character tax check code. You will need to give the code on your application to the licensing authority, so they can confirm you have carried out a tax check, the licensing authority will not be able to process your application without it. 

You will not be granted a licence if you do not give a tax check code to your licensing authority. 

What is a tax check? 

A tax check confirms that you’re registered for tax, if necessary. After you complete the tax check you’ll be given a code. Tax check codes expire after 120 days, so if you make a licence application for another licence after that time you’ll need to carry out a new tax check for it. 

If you’re a partner making a licence application on behalf of a partnership you must complete a tax check for yourself. Your licensing authority will tell you if any other partners also need to complete a tax check. 

You can contact HMRC by clicking here if you notice your records need to be updated during the check. 

You can use one tax check code for more than one licence application, as long as all the applications are for the same type of licence (for example, they are all for taxi driver licences but with different licensing authorities). If you’re applying for different types of licence (for example, a private hire driver licence and a private hire vehicle operator licence) you must complete a tax check for each one. 

What you should do before April 2022 

You will need a Government Gateway user ID and password to complete a tax check, so you should make sure you have one before you need to make your licence application. If you do not have a user ID, you can create one by clicking here. 

What you’ll need before your renewal application  

To carry out a tax check, you need a Government Gateway user ID and password. 

You’ll also need to know: 

• when you first got your licence 
• the length of your most recent licence 
• how you pay tax on the income you earn from your licensed trade 

You will not be able to complete the tax check if the information you give about your tax affairs does not match HMRC’s records. 

Your licence cannot be renewed if you do not provide a valid tax code with your renewal application. 

A Private Hire vehicle may only be dispatched to a customer by a person or a company that holds an operator's licence. Such a licence permits the operator to invite or accept bookings for a Private Hire vehicle.

Here you will find information on taxi licensing fees.

Click here to download a printable version of the taxi fees schedule.

Guidance for wheelchair users in private hire vehicles and taxis.

The Equality Act 2010 imposes a duty on drivers of designated vehicles (both hackney carriage and private hire) when dealing with passengers travelling in wheelchairs.

It shall be a condition of a hackney carriage proprietors licence for a wheelchair accessible vehicle, that the proprietor shall ensure at all times that the vehicle is driven by a “competent person” who has received “suitable and sufficient” training in the correct operation and use of any ramps, lifting equipment, fixings or other equipment designed to assist with the access and egress of passengers using wheelchairs or their comfort and safety when being transported in the vehicle

Our Taxi Policy states that:  Where an application is made for a new hackney carriage vehicle licence, the vehicle shall be suitable in type, size and construction to carry persons in wheelchairs. Where a licence is in force for a wheelchair accessible vehicle, proprietors shall only be permitted to replace the vehicle, with a vehicle that is suitable in type, size and construction to carry persons in wheelchairs. The council has also agreed additional vehicle conditions dealing with other matters which are attached at Appendix A. Additional conditions may be attached to the grant of a licence as are considered reasonably necessary on an individual basis. The council is committed to meeting the needs of disabled people and will continue to consult and work with hackney carriage vehicle proprietors, disability organisations and appropriate December 2015 12 stakeholders with the aim of producing an accessibility policy and suitable disability awareness training.
Under section 167 of The Equality Act 2010, this public register shows all designated wheelchair-accessible vehicles that are approved by us and are capable of carrying a reference-size wheelchair:

• To the best of our knowledge, the vehicles on the designated list are capable of carrying those wheelchairs which accord with the ‘Reference wheelchair’ as defined in the Public Service Vehicle Accessibility Regulations 2000.

Click here to view our list of designated vehicles.

Any driver of one of the designated vehicles on our list must:

• not refuse to carry passengers sitting in their wheelchairs
• not refuse assistance to those passengers
• not charge passengers in wheelchairs extra for their journey

Failure to comply with these requirements would mean a driver would commit an offence under The Equality Act 2010, which on summary of conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding £1000.

We can exempt drivers from duties to assist passengers in wheelchairs if they are satisfied that it is appropriate to do so on medical grounds or because the driver’s physical condition makes it impossible or unreasonably difficult for them to comply with the duties.

Statutory guidance

GOV.UK statutory guidance for wheelchair users of private hire vehicles and taxis.

Guidance for passengers using a taxi (Hackney Carriage) or Private Hire Vehicle

How to tell if a taxi or private hire vehicle is licensed;

In Northumberland, private hire vehicles will display a yellow licence plate to the rear of the vehicle and have matching door decals. Hackney Carriages (taxis), will display a blue licence plate and matching door decals and a roof sign.

Differences between taxis and private hire vehicles;

• a taxi can be flagged down or pre-booked. 
• a private hire vehicle that has not been pre-booked should not be used as it will not be insured and may not be licensed.
• the benefit of pre-booking a return vehicle before going out. 
• arrange to be picked up from a safe meeting point.
• requesting at the time of booking what the fare is likely to be. 

When using a private hire vehicle, passengers should always: 

• book with a licensed operator. 
• confirm their booking with the driver when s/he arrives.
• note the licence number. 
• sit in the back, behind the driver. 
• let a third party know details of their journey. 

 When using a taxi (hackney carriage), passengers should where possible: 

• use a taxi rank and choose one staffed by taxi marshals if available.

Licensing policy for Hackney Carriages and Private Hire vehicles

2024 licensing policy.