You must take and pass all tests before you submit an application. Only complete applications will be accepted. Please see information below detailing all requirements.
You’ll need to complete a tax check when you renew your licence as a:
– driver of a taxi (hackney carriage)
– driver of a private hire vehicle (and dual licences)
– private hire vehicle operator
Please note the licensing team cannot answer any questions relating to Income Tax.
Private hire vehicles must be pre-booked and cannot be hailed in the street.
A driver’s licence is for the driver of a vehicle. You will also need a vehicle licence for the vehicle itself.
Before you apply:
You must apply at least six weeks before your current licence expires. You cannot drive without a valid licence.
A complete application includes:
We need all this information before we can issue a licence. We cannot guarantee to issue your new licence if you do not allow us at least six weeks to process the application. You won’t be able to drive your vehicle until we issue the new licence.
Private hire driver’s licence conditions
You must complete the theory and location tests before submitting an application. Pay the £47 fee for the theory test.
Pre-test pack for private hire driver knowledge and location test
Practical tests can be booked at any of the following companies:
Ask for a saloon test.
You must undertake safeguarding training to drive a private hire vehicle.
Once you have completed your training, you need to submit a copy of your certificate when you apply.
You can book yourself on one of our training dates – the fee for this is £22.50. View possible training dates
Generally, 3 points on your DVLA licence will not affect your application. If you have 6 points or more, we will refer the application to a senior office or a committee to decide.
A vehicle licence is for the vehicle. You will also need a driver’s licence for each driver of te vehicle.
For your first application, contact us and we will assign a plate number for your vehicle. You will need this before your vehicle’s test so you can add it to your roof sign.
A vehicle licence lasts 12 months – you must apply again at least six weeks before your current licence runs out. For a list of private hire vehicles please email your request to licensing@reading.gov.uk.
Authorised Testing Centres:
Universal Commercial Vehicles
www.ucvltd.co.uk
Universal Commercial Vehicles
5 Deacon Way, Reading RG30 6AZ
0118 942 6666
or
Autocraft
https://autocraft.edan.io/
21-23 Boulton Rd, Reading RG2 0NH,
United Kingdom
+44 118 931 1345
You must arrange a test for your vehicle at an authorised test facility. You can then complete an online vehicle licence form.
We only licence certain vehicles. You should check your vehicle meets these vehicle specifications.
| Age of vehicle | Frequency of MOT | Frequency of compliance test |
|---|---|---|
| 2 years and under | Not required | Once a year |
| 3 to 5 years | Once a year | Once a year |
| 5 years and over | Twice a year | Twice a year |
Private hire vehicle operator conditions
The application period can take over 12 weeks. Once you have made your application there will be a consultation period. After that your application will go to the Licensing Committee.
The licence lasts for one year. You must apply again at least six weeks before your licence runs out.
If you licence needs renewing – you can state you would like to run school transport vehicles in the application form.
If your licence does not need renewing – you can contact us to apply to increase the number of vehicles you operate.
Private hire operator – grant of licence fees
We offer support services for customers applying for a licence for the first time.
We offer two services:
All hackney carriage vehicles should be able and willing to carry disabled passengers. The driver of the vehicle has certain legal responsibilities when doing so.
You have a duty to carry guide dogs, hearing dogs and other prescribed helper dogs. You cannot charge extra for carrying the dog.
You can apply for exemption to this rule if you can show you have a medical condition caused by exposure to dogs. Any driver who we have not granted an exemption to and who refuses to carry such a dog is guilty of a criminal offence.
If we refuse or revoke your licence you have a right to appeal within 21 days of the decision We cannot offer guidance on making an appeal. You should seek independent legal advice.