Private Hire Operator Licence

If you want to drive a private hire vehicle (PHV) you need to either:

• get a private hire vehicle operator licence yourself
• drive a private hire vehicle for a business which has a private hire vehicle operator licence

A private hire vehicle can only be pre-booked. Taxis can also be hired at a rank or hailed in the street.

Taxis only need a taxi vehicle licence and a taxi driver licence. But taxi drivers can do work booked by an operator.

Vehicle licences for taxis or private hire vehicles: Overview - GOV.UK

Driver licences for taxis and private hire vehicles - GOV.UK

Operator licences for private hire vehicles - GOV.UK

Any company running only hackney carriage vehicles do not require a Private Hire Operator's licence.

A PHV operator licence will last for a maximum of 5 years.

You can be prosecuted if you receive payment for taking bookings or supply drivers for hire without an operator’s licence. 'Operate' has been defined in the act as follows: "Operate" means in the course of business to make provision for the invitation or acceptance of bookings for a private hire vehicle'.

To apply for a Private Hire Operator Licence will require the applicant to demonstrate a Right to Work in the UK, provide an up to date basic criminal records check and complete an HMRC tax check.

If you have any further questions, please contact the Licensing Team