Licences and permits - Taxi - Hackney carriage/private hire driver licence

Record details

Overview

We must be satisfied that all applicants are "fit and proper persons". This is achieved through an application process, which includes a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. To apply for a licence we need the following:

  • The application is completed in full*
  • Group 2 Medical form completed by a doctor with access to your patient records has been received*
  • Payment for the application*
  • All original supporting documents required have been seen (including 2 passport photographs)*
  • The Disclosure Barring Service application has been completed*
  • Council approved safeguarding training has been undertaken*
  • A Council approved Spoken English qualification has been produced
  • A Council approved driving qualification has been produced
  • Topographical Knowledge Test has been passed

All requirements marked with a * need to be carried out on renewal as well

Cost from 1 April 2025
Licence  Fees from 1 April 2025
Grant of licence - one year £145.25
Grant of licence - three years £237.85
Renewal of existing licence - one year £121.15
Renewal of existing licence - three years £209.25
DBS check  Please see additional information below to apply online for your Enhanced DBS check via TaxiPlus
Knowledge test £35.35
Badge or replacement badge £39.25
Replacement paper licence £19.10
Disability and Safeguarding 
Awareness training
Fee is set by Oxfordshire County 
Council  who provide the training
English testing £51.05
Apply / renew

New driver application pack

Driver renewal pack

Please note: online forms are only for 3-year applications/renewals.  If you want to apply for a 1 year Licence please contact us.

Change of details
Additional information

Safeguarding and Disability Awareness Course

You will need to book and attend mandatory Child and Adult Safeguarding and Disability Awareness training prior to applying for your new taxi drivers licence.

Fees for training are set by Oxfordshire County Council who also provide the training:

You will be sent email confirmation of your training course booking. Any reading to complete before the session or anything required to bring with you to the session will be included and explained on the email. After the training you will be given a training certificate which you will need to show to Cherwell District Council.

Currently Acceptable Driving Standards Test Providers

DBS Check:

To apply online for the enhanced DBS certificate, please visit the Taxi Plus website here: DBS Application 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:

•             Phone: 01254 355679

•             Email: hello@taxiplus.co.uk  

•             Live Chat: Available via the TaxiPlus website

If you have any questions about obtaining a DBS check then please see the frequently asked questions on the Taxi Plus website here: TaxiPlus FAQs — Personnel Checks

Please note your DBS Certificate will arrive at your home address only, the Council do not get a copy of this. You must provide the council with a copy of your DBS certificate.

Once you have received your DBS Certificate, you must register for the online DBS Update Service using your certificate number, DBS update service. You must do this within 30 days of the issued certificate date, the issue date will be on the DBS certificate you receive.  If you do not register for the update service within 30 days, you will have to apply for a new Enhanced DBS to register.

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.

Contact Licensing