Private Hire Operators Licence
Licensing conditions
We must carry out our licensing function whilst ensuring that a safe and quality service is provided to all. To aid with this function, the Licensing Department undertook a review of its policies and conditions. Following its consultation in 2008, this document was formally adopted by the General Purposes Committee on 11 March 2009.
If a vehicle is operating outside of its licence conditions and relevant legislation, this can invalidate the insurance and put the customer at serious risk.
- Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Drivers - Policy and Conditions of Licensing - pdf (353.5 KB) - opens document in new window
- Private Hire Operators - Policy and Conditions of Licensing - pdf (382.1 KB) - opens document in new window
- Hackney Carriage Vehicles (HCV 101 and above) - Policy and Conditions of Licensing - pdf (389.6 KB) - opens document in new window
- Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicles (inc. Limousine Licences) - Policy and Conditions of Licensing - pdf (724.1 KB) - opens document in new window
- Policy Statement on Convictions for Licensing of Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Drivers and Operators - pdf (1.5 MB) - opens document in new window
Our licensing of vehicles, drivers and private hire operators is carried out in accordance with the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.
How do I apply for a licence?
We are responsible for the licensing of vehicles, drivers and private hire operators.
If the public will have access to your premises (such as a waiting room) you must provide a Certificate of Public Liability Insurance. If you are operating from your own home, you do not need insurance.
If you are not already a Hackney Carriage or private hire driver, you will also need to provide a basic criminal record check form.
As an operator, you can now subcontract work to other operators inside or outside the town but you must:
- work from a base within Stevenage to be licensed by Stevenage.
- only use Stevenage registered drivers in Stevenage registered cars.
A full list of fees relating to taxis is available on the Environmental Health Fees and Charges page.
Equalities Act 2010
All drivers and operators are required to make provision for disabled passengers under the Equality Act 2010
The law says that all licensed drivers are required to carry assistance dogs (such as Guide dogs and Hearing dogs) free of charge. It is an offence to refuse to carry an assistance dog unless the driver has a medical exemption certificate from us displayed on the vehicle.
It is illegal to treat a person with disabilities differently from other people, for example by charging a person using a wheelchair more than an able-bodied person for the same trip.