Please note this page is only a quick guide to assist your application for a new licence to drive a Hackney Carriage or Private Hire taxi vehicle. You must refer to the full terms and conditions in the application pack for full details and guidance on all the licensing criteria and conditions that must be met under ‘Fit and Proper’ person with this Authority.
Download the Taxi Driver License application pack
Step 1 - Check the criteria and obtain certificates for courses and tests
Before you submit your application to the Oxford City Council, you must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a UK (EU) DVLA Licence for two years minimum
- Have five (5) years of UK address history. If less, you will need to provide a Certificate of a Good Conduct from your home country
- Have a Right to Work in the UK
You need to have completed the following courses and obtain these Certificates:
- DBS certificate (see Step 2)
- Certificate of English Language Competency (reading and spoken) - this needs to be Entry Level 2 or above - check if unsure
- Local Knowledge and Safeguarding Course - This test can be booked and completed at any time before submitting your full online application to the Council - please use the following form to submit a booking request an officer will then call for the £87 test fee:
Apply to complete the taxi Local Knowledge and Safeguarding test - Safeguarding and Disability Awareness Training - provided by Oxfordshire County Council, to book go to you will find the information under District Council Drivers Section (the £57.39 fee is paid directly to the County Council)
- Driver Assessment for Taxi and Private Hire Vehicles (practical driving) - Provided by Oxford Direct Services (ODS), Cowley Marsh, to book the assessment call 01865 252944 (£69 fee paid directly to the ODS)
- Medical Certification Report - This Medical form must be completed by your GP / Doctor. ALL questions on the form must be answered and there is usually a fee. A Medical Certificate is valid for 4 months from the issue date until a valid application is submitted to the Council.
Have all the documents listed ready. Take a clear scan or photograph of each document (as instructed) on your device, ready to upload when completing your online application.
Step 2 - DBS Certificate & Online Update Service
To apply online for the enhanced DBS certificate, please visit the Taxi Plus website where you will be able to apply for the DBS online, by creating your own account and making payment.
If you have questions on how to apply or need support whilst completing the application you can contact TaxiPlus directly:
- Online chat at TaxiPlus
- Email: hello@taxiplus.co.uk
If you have any questions about obtaining a DBS check then please see the frequently asked questions on the Taxi Plus website.
The DBS Certificate will arrive at your home address only. The Council do not get a copy.
Once you have reviewed the DBS Certificate, you need to register here for the online DBS Update Service using your certificate number. You must do this within 30 days of the issued certificate date (printed on your certificate).
You can subscribe for the online DBS Update Service as soon as you submit your online DBS application via TaxiPlus. You will need the DBS application reference number to subscribe, as soon as the Certificate is issued by the DBS, your online subscription will become live.
Upload a clear scan or photograph of your full DBS Certificate (front and back even if it is blank) as part of the online application in Step 4.
Step 3 - Prepare your documents and Online Check / Share Codes
Have all the documents listed ready and take a clear scan or photograph of each document (as instructed) on your device, ready to upload when completing your online application.
- DVLA Driving Licence (front and back)
- Proof of Right to Work in the UK (unrestricted) – usually passport or share code (if applicable)
- Proof of current address (page 17 of the Driver Application Terms and Conditions for more information on what document can be accepted)
- Passport style photograph - this can be a 'selfie' from a mobile device (taken within one week of application) - it needs to show your face and shoulders, against a clear or neutral background, with appropriate clothing - any other casual photographs will be rejected
When completing the online application, you will be required to provide these on-line check/share codes (get them ready now, to enter onto the online form), before you start, please note:
- Your name must be the one on your passport.
- The name on your driving licence must match your name on your passport. If your names don’t match you must update these documents.
- The address on your driving licence must match the address on your current proof of address document.
The DVLA Check Code
- You must generate an online share code but DO NOT run the check. The check must be done by a Council officer. If you run the check by mistake you will need to generate another online share code.
- View or share your driving licence information - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
The HMRC Tax Check Code
- You must generate an online share code if you have carried a similar licensed activity previously. If not, you will be able to declare that on the online form
- Complete a tax check for a taxi, private hire or scrap metal licence - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
The Right to Work (RTW) Online Share Code
- You must generate an online share code, you do not need the code if you hold a UK and Irish Passports or UK birth certificate
- Prove your right to work to an employer: get a share code - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Step 4 - Submit the online application to the Council & making payment
You're ready to submit your online application but you should read step 5 before you start.
Once you have successfully submitted your online application, you will receive an automated email response saying that we have received your application - you then do not need to chase the application, email or call - we anticipate assessing your application within 5-8 working days, although processing times may vary depending on application volumes and operational demand. If your application is valid and no additional information or documents are required, the Authority will complete further 'fit and proper' person checks - NR3S, JOF (3 working days). Should the checks come clear, we would normally expect the application to be processed within further 3 to 5 working days (processing time, issuing licence, authorisation).
Note 1: If your initial online application is not complete (errors or no documents), we will email you back (within 5 to 8 working days) to explain what else we need from you. Once you respond with the required information, we will then assess your application again within 3 to 5 working days.
Note 2: Should your application reveal any information that causes the Authority concern about your 'fit and proper' person status - this could include DBS conviction, DVLA points, failure to disclose information, NR3S return - Officers will be required to carry out further checks and make enquiries (with you or third party organisations). This could cause delays in the application process for which a timeline cannot be defined. However, Officers will notify you via email should further checks be required.
Important: please be aware that if you do not provide all the required information and documents at first submission (and any subsequent request), your application will continue to be delayed by 3 to 5 working days due to the workstream process.
Additional documents
If additional documents are required see Submit additional documents for a current licence application
Step 5 - Wait for the decision and licence
Once you have submitted the final documents, the final checks will take few days. Please be patient and wait until we contact you.
Once the licence is issued, we will email your paper licence (counterpart) document first.
Your badge will be sent by post and will arrive at your home address later.
