Becoming a taxi driver
Becoming a taxi driver can be a rewarding job. Why?
You can be your own boss
Work the hours you want to work, when you want to work them.
You are guarenteed work.
And, you:
Don't need your own car
Don't need Experience
Don't need to pay out for a course ( that's free at LMC)
Right now, there’s a shortage of taxi drivers across Lancaster and Morecambe. So, not only can the cab trade guarantee you work, there’s plenty of help to get you started too.
If you're interested in becoming a taxi driver, there are a number of steps you need to take to obtain your licence.
Prior to starting an application, you are advised to:
- Read the Private Hire and Hackney Carriage licensing policy paying particular attention to application standards set out in section 4.
- Get in touch with us for advice if you feel you may have a relevant offence or a pre-existing medical condition. You can email licensing@lancaster.gov.uk
1. Apply for an enhanced DBS certificate
Enhanced DBS certificates are facilitated by Taxi Plus on Behalf of Lancaster City Council and you are required to fill in an application.
The DBS certificate will be returned from the DBS Service directly to your home address.
Once you have received your certificate you will then need to sign up to the DBS update service within 30 days of receipt. Instructions will be provided by Taxi Plus on the next steps you need to take.
2. Obtain a training Certificate from Lancaster and Morecambe College.
This is a free two-day course, which includes relevant training on the role and responsibilities of becoming a licensed driver. You will also complete a local knowledge test and safeguarding assessment.
Please contact the college directly for enrolment details to get started.
3. Complete A Practical Driving test
You need to complete a test and there are two providers of the practical driving test you can choose from:
4. Complete A Satisfactory D4 Group 2 Medical Examination
The medical examination must be carried out by a medical practitioner who has had sight of your medical summary and a D4 medical form is required to be completed.
If you wish to book an appointment with a private medical practitioner, you must obtain your medical summary from your GP prior to the appointment and take the records with you.
A summary of the Group 2 standards can be found here
5. Prove Your Right To Work In The UK
You need to prove your right to work in the UK. You can choose to do this via a manual document-based check or by using the Home Office online checking service.
- A list of acceptable documents for a manual right to work check can be found here.
- The online Home Office checking service works on the basis of an individual first viewing their own Home Office right to work record. You may then share this information on your application, by providing a ‘share code’.
The online right to work check is for individuals who will have an immigration status that can be checked online. You will need to provide:
- A recent passport sized photograph (To be certified as a true likeness of the applicant)
- A full and current DVLA driving licence
- A DVLA check code
This allows the Licensing Authority to check your DVLA for endorsements.
You can get a check code here. Please note that it expires within 21 days.
5. Declare Tax Conditionality
First-time applicants must declare, upon application, an awareness of the guidance about tax obligations and confirm they have read and understood the requirements.
You can visit the Government website to find out more information.
If you do not confirm that you are aware of the guidance, you will not be issued with a licence.
6. Payment Of Licensing Fees
- Licence fee - Dual Drivers’ Licence new driver for 1 year is £175.00
- Licence fee - Dual Drivers’ Licence new driver for 3 years is £317.00
Payments can be made by visiting our webpage
You must complete all the above steps, along with a completed application form prior to submitting to the Licensing Service, either via post or email.
Postal address - Licensing Service, Morecambe Town Hall, Marine Road, and Morecambe. LA4 5AF.
Email - licensing@lancaster.gov.uk
Last updated: 19 January 2024