Any person who wishes to drive a licensed hackney carriage or private hire vehicle must be licensed by the Council.
All Hackney Carriage and Private Hire vehicles that carry passengers and take money for this service must be licensed by us.
Every driver that works in these vehicles must also be licensed. They must also wear a photographic identity badge at all times when they are working.
The only drivers badge issued by us is a dual badge which allows drivers to either drive a Hackney Carriage or Private Hire vehicle.
Applications
To become a licensed driver you must have held a full UK DVLA driving licence for at least 12 months.
Any new applicants that wish to become a licensed driver must achieve the requirements below before a licence can be granted:
- An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check for criminal convictions and cautions (see Disclosure and Barring Service).
- A Group 2 Medical assessment with their own GP or medical practice
- Driving Assessment undertaken by Devon Travel Academy
- Highway Code and local knowledge tests
- Provide evidence of right to work in the UK
New applicants will need to make an appointment to attend an interview so that identification documents can be verified. They will also need to undertake the Highway Code and local knowledge tests.
To apply, please contact Licensing by emailing licensing@swdevon.gov.uk.
Renewal of Licences
Hackney Carriage or Private Hire Driver Licences must be renewed either every three years or every year. A reminder will be issued by the Council in advance of the expiry date.
When a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate is required, drivers must make an appointment to see an Officer. This is to verify their identification documents and submit the application. Once a driver has received their DBS certificate, they must sign up to the DBS Update Service. This ensures that their status can be checked at any time while licensed with South Hams District Council (see Disclosure and Barring Service).
Appointments should be made in good time in advance of the licence expiry date.
Additional medical assessments will also need to be undertaken on a periodic basis.
Fees
For fees please see the Licensing Fees pages.
National Register of Taxi Licence Revocations, Refusals and Suspensions (NR3S)
The NR3S Register provides a way for licensing authorities to record details of taxi or PHV drivers licences that have been revoked, or an application for one refused. Its aim is to improve public safety and confidence in driver licensing.
You can find more information on our NR3S webpage.