That’s it!! This is basically how a taxi service is set up from our
point of view. Surely, there are many more questions that will
need answers for the process to be successful – taxi
conditions, procedure for renewals so that you can carry on
trading etc.
It would be a very good idea for you to speak to local taxi
operators. They are able to give you information on the nittygritty of running a taxi business and are usually very happy to
share their vast knowledge.
If you need further information on the above or any other
aspect of taxi licensing, help is at hand - please telephone
01263 516189 or call in at the Council Offices and ask for an
appointment with the Licensing Team in Environmental Health.
The lowdown on how to set up…
To start up a taxi service, you will need the following:
3. A vehicle (or vehicles) which must be under 10
years old and be in excellent condition.
1. An Operator’s Licence
This is like a permit that allows you to work (operate) as a Taxi
Operator in North Norfolk. You will need to check with the
Planning Department at North Norfolk District Council to see if
planning permission is required for your base.
2. A Taxi Driving Licence which allows you to
drive a taxi in North Norfolk
To obtain this, you will need to:
Complete and sign an application form.
Obtain a medical from a GP to group 2 standards to certify
that you are physically fit to carry out the duties of a taxi
driver.
Get a Disclosure and Barring Service Check. Please refer
to NNDC website for instructions on how to complete this.
Supply your DVLA driving licence and your Birth Certificate.
These will be returned to you.
Supply two passport photographs so that an identity badge
can be made for you. This is to be worn at all times when
driving a taxi.
Supply two individual referees so references can be sought
for your application.
This will need to be licensed as a Private Hire or Hackney
Carriage. A Private Hire Vehicle licence enables you to use
your vehicle for taxiing but only on a pre-booked basis whilst a
Hackney Carriage Licence is fitted with a meter and lets you
work from a taxi rank and to pick up ‘fares’ on the road.
You will need to:
Insure your vehicle for hire and reward as Public (Hackney)
Hire, Private Hire or Both.
Take the vehicle to a Council Approved Vehicle Inspection
station.
Supply a Department of Transport MOT document if the
vehicle is over 1 year old (hackney carriage) or 3 years old
(private hire vehicle).
Supply the Registration Document for your vehicle.
You will receive a plate for your vehicle together with an
internal plate to display in the windscreen and, of course, a
Hackney Carriage or Private Hire licence.
Of course your business will need a
name. The words ‘taxi’ and ‘cab’
infers a Hackney Carriage business
so, if your business is going to be
Private Hire, it is best not to use
these terms.