Taxi licence – Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Driver

Information on taxi licenses

In order to apply the applicant must be:

  • A “fit and proper person” to hold a licence

  • 21 or over

  • Have held a full licence (either a full UK, Northern Ireland or European Community with UK Counterpart) to drive a car for at least two years.

How to apply

Applicants wishing to apply to become a Hackney Carriage or Private Hire driver should contact the licensing team. An application pack will then be sent out to which sets out in detail the requirements and costs of becoming a Hackney Carriage or Private Hire driver. Once this form has been completed the applicant should book an appointment with licensing. Please note that the applications must be made in person.

A licence will not be granted to a first time applicant who has not undertaken the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership (LRSP) Driver’s Improvement Programme (or equivalent Council approved taxi/private hire driving examination).

The applicant is required to medically fit and is thus required to meet DVLA Group 2 medical standards. Applicants should apply to their own GP (or any other medical practice providing they have access to your medical records) and request an examination. The required forms are available from the Licensing Team. 

A knowledge test must be passed to test the applicant’s navigation skills for the City and the immediate surrounding area. You will be expected to attain a score of at least 80%. Further information and example questions are found in the application pack.

Checks will be made at the Disclosure and Barring Service Office for convictions recorded within the UK. Any applicant who has spent time abroad or applicants from certain other countries will however be required to produce certificates of good conduct from a reputable source such as a Government Department or an Embassy covering the whole period of their residence in the other country. This certificate will include a check on previous convictions.

All new applicants will be required to successfully complete online safeguarding training provided by the Lincolnshire Safeguarding Board. Details on how to do this are included within the application pack.

 Finally all drivers will be required to complete the BTEC Level 2 Certificate and an additional module entitled Safeguarding Driver & Lone workers Essentials once you have obtained a drivers licence.

Complain about a taxi driver in Lincoln

If you are wanting to make a complaint about a taxi driver within the city as you feel they have acted inappropriately, then you can fill out our online form below:

Make your complaint

Contact the Licensing Team

Address: Licensing Team
City Hall
Beaumont Fee
Lincoln
LN1 1DD

Telephone: 01522 873564