Taxis and private hire​ driver licences

Information for those wanting to become a licenced driver. A driver licence is issued for three years.

Become a licensed taxi or private hire driver

To apply for a taxi or private hire driver licence with Colchester City Council, you must:

  • have the right to work in the UK and be able to prove your immigration status
  • have a National Insurance number
  • be able to communicate effectively in English
  • have held a full UK (or equivalent) driving licence for at least 3 years
  • be registered with HMRC to pay tax

Before you apply

If you have any criminal convictions or motoring offences, contact us before applying:

Email taxi@colchester.gov.uk

Some offences, or multiple driving offences, may mean you are not eligible for a licence. Contacting us first allows us to give guidance on whether you are likely to be granted a licence and may help you avoid unnecessary application costs.

Tests and training you must complete

You must pass the following tests and training before applying:

  • Taxi driver language test
    International Language Centre, Colchester
    English courses for adults
    Call 01206 544422
    • You may not need to take this test if you can provide original evidence that you hold one of the following:
      • UK GCSE/O Level (or equivalent i.e. CSE or Scottish National 5 - Grades A to C) certificate at Grades A* to C or 9 to 4 in English
      • a UK AS Level or A Level in English
      • a UK NVQ, BTEC, City and Guilds qualification (any subject), with confirmation it is equivalent to GCSE level or above
      • a UK bachelor’s degree or higher (any subject)
      • IELTS with an overall score of 6.0 and at least 6.0 in speaking
  • Taxi driver knowledge test
    International Language Centre, Colchester
    English courses for adults
    Call 01206 544422 or email colchester@ilcentres.com
  • Safeguarding training (virtual classroom)
    The Blue Lamp Trust
  • Green Penny
  • Disability awareness training (virtual classroom)
    The Blue Lamp Trust
  • Green Penny
  • Hackney carriage and private hire driver assessment
    Training is provided by:
  • Group 2 medical examination
    Download the Group 2 medical and fitness to drive form and take it to your medical provider. 
    The medical can be carried out by your GP or by:
  • Enhanced DBS and DVLA licence checks
    These must be completed through Taxiplus. 

    You must also sign up to the DBS Update Service. This process can take several months. You may want to apply through Taxiplus as soon as you have passed your language and knowledge tests.

Apply for a driver licence

  • Create an online account and apply online .
  • Provide a passport-style photograph and all supporting documents in PDF or JPG format.
  • We will arrange an appointment to verify your identity and right to work documents.

We are required to check all driver licence applications against the National Register of Taxi Licence Refusals, Revocations and Suspensions (NR3S).

We will also record details on the NR3S of any refusal, revocation or suspension related to safeguarding or road safety concerns.

Renewing your driver licence

Your driver licence is valid for 3 years from the date it is granted.

You must renew your licence before it expires. If your licence expires, you will need to apply again as a new driver and you will not be able to work until a new licence is issued.

We will send you a reminder with instructions on how to renew, but it is your responsibility to make sure your licence is renewed on time.