Newark & Sherwood District Council

The council is responsible for the setting of Hackney Carriage fares and for issuing of licences to individuals who wish to drive either private hire cars or Hackney Carriages.

The basic difference between the two types of vehicle is that Hackney Carriages can be 'flagged down' off the street or on a rank and private hire vehicles must be pre-booked through an operator.

The driver’s licences issued by the council entitle the holder to drive both private hire vehicles and Hackney Carriages. The council licenses Hackney Carriages and Private Hire Vehicles, as well as Private Hire Operators.

Once you have read all the information in the licensing policy document and are satisfied that you meet the necessary criteria, application forms and fees information is available on-line.

Due to our legal requirements, these must be printed, completed and returned to the council by post. However, applications for Hackney Carriage or Private Hire Driver’s Licences must be personally brought to the council’s offices at Kelham Hall with all supporting documents.

A driver’s application which includes an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check can take approximately 6-8 weeks. Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) checks and references are also taken. If they are deemed satisfactory then a medical assessment is carried out, followed by knowledge and ability tests.

However, if they are not satisfactory the application is presented to the council’s General Purposes Committee to determine whether the candidate is a fit and proper person to be granted a licence. Vehicle and operators licences are dependent on completed application forms being supported by original documentation and bank references as stated on the application. The average time from receipt of application to grant of licence is 5 working days.

Registers for licensed drivers and vehicles are kept in accordance with the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 and the Town Police Clause Act 1847. These registers are available at the council offices for public inspection. If you are interested in viewing this information please contact us.

Forms must be printed off and completed in writing and returned in the post. Applications for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire driver’s licences must be delivered to the council in person.

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