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Hackney carriages

Hackney carriages are usually the traditional 'black cab' style. They can be flagged down in the street and can wait on designated taxi ranks.

Temporary relaxation of vehicle age policy

With effect from 26 October 2023, we have temporarily amended the age restrictions for licensed vehicles.

For replacement vehicle applications - the age at which a vehicle can be first licensed has been increased to six years of age from five years of age. The vehicle must also comply with all existing other requirements.

For vehicles already licensed - the age at which the vehicle can stay licensed until has increased to 12 years of age from 11 years of age. These vehicles will be subject to three vehicle inspections a year (every four months).

The policy will be in place whilst a consultation takes place on a permanent vehicle age policy.

Vehicle licences

You can apply to renew your hackney carriage or private hire vehicle licence online by using the form at the top of this page. This form can also be used for new vehicles. You will need to sign up for an account and then select the form on the list of forms available. You will need to upload copies of your MOT, Vehicle Inspection Sheet, Insurance and V5 Logbook. You will then be directed to make a payment.

Once received the Licensing Team will process your application and your licence will be emailed to you. Your plate will then be posted directly to you from our supplier once the order has been sent to them to process – this may take time to come through to you so please be patient.

Driving assessments

We now have three companies to provide the practical driving assessment. You can take the assessment with any one of them, as they are all working to the same standards. You need to make arrangements for your assessment directly with the company that you choose, including payment of a fee at the time of booking. 

Please use the links below to get in touch with a company:

Defensive driver training

IAM road smart

Awareness course

Once licensed, all drivers are required to complete an awareness course on child sexual exploitation within three months of their licence being granted. 

The cost of this will be met by Leicester City Council for existing drivers but new applicants will be charged an additional £20 when they first apply for a taxi driver’s licence.

Six month inspection

You can also book your six month test online at: Book your test online.

The inspection must be carried out no earlier than 14 days before the due date, and no later than the due date.

Change of vehicle/transfer of vehicle licence

If you need a change of ownership or change of vehicle do not use this form, please email licensing@leicester.gov.uk for more advice.

Renewals

It is important that you apply to renew your licence well before your existing licence is due to expire. You can apply to renew your hackney carriage/private hire driver licence using the quick link ‘Apply to renew hackney carriage/private hire driver licence’ at the top of this page.

You will need to sign up for an account which will save your personal details for any future applications, as well as enabling you to access other online council services.

You will need to upload images of your DVLA driving licence (both sides) and details of the DVLA Check Code that you have received from the DVLA.

If you need a medical the form must be completed by the applicant’s registered GP or a doctor within that surgery. If this is not possible you must contact the licensing authority for advice.

Annual renewals for diabetic drivers

A form needs to be filled in by your (driver’s) registered GP for renewal applications. It needs to be printed, fully completed, stamped by the GP and returned to:

  • Licensing Authority, Leicester City Council, Phoenix House, 1 King Street, Leicester, LE1 6RN or submitted with the driver’s renewal appointment.

Print the Annual renewal form for diabetic drivers (PDF).

Tax check

If your licence expires after 4 April 2022, you will be required to provide us with a code that will enable us to check with HMRC that you are registered for tax purposes – more information can be found at New rules on tax checks.

After submitting your application to us

  1. Once we have received your application, you will receive an automated email telling you that we will check your application.
  2. We will then send you a further email confirming how long you can have a licence for and what other checks need to be carried out, for example, DBS Check/Medical/Diabetic report. The second email will contain a link to make the correct payment and allow you to upload any other documents that we need from you.
  3. Davis licence check have now been appointed to undertake the DVLA checks on our behalf. You will receive a separate email from this company asking you to complete a mandate form which will allow us to access your DVLA record directly. This email will come to you after you have applied to renew your licence. The mandate will be valid for three years and means that we will not require you to obtain a code yourself from the DVLA for any further checks during this three year period.