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.
Licensed hackney carriages can be hailed in the street or from taxi ranks in the Reading borough area.
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 (but not before 12 weeks). 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.
Hackney carriage driver’s licence conditions
You must complete the theory and location tests before submitting an application. You can pay the £43 fee for the theory test using our miscellaneous payments form.
Pre-test pack for hackney carriage driver knowledge and location test
Ask for a saloon test and wheelchair assessment.
You must undertake safeguarding training to drive a hackney carriage.
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.
Authorised Testing Centres:
Universal Commercial Vehicles
5 Deacon Way, Reading, RG30 6AZ
0118 942 6666
www.ucvltd.co.uk
or
Autocraft
21-23 Boulton Rd, Reading, RG2 0NH,
United Kingdom
0118 931 1345
https://autocraft.edan.io/
You must arrange a test for your vehicle at an authorised test facility. You can then complete an online vehicle licence form.
| Age of vehicle | Frequency of MOT | Frequency of compliance test |
| Under 1 year | Not required | Once a year |
| 1 to 5 years | Once a year | Twice a year |
| Over 5 years | Twice a year | Twice a year |
We offer support services for customers applying for a licence for the first time.
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.