New Drivers

All Hackney Carriage and Private Hire vehicles in Torbay that carry passengers in return of payment must be licensed by Torbay Council. Every driver that works in a licensed vehicle must also be licensed.

A licensed driver must wear a photographic identity badge at all times when they are working.

Torbay Council only issue 3 year licences. The only badges issued are Dual Badges, which allow drivers to drive either Hackney Carriage or Private Hire vehicles.

Safeguarding and Disability Training

All new drivers must ensure they complete the Safeguarding and Disability Training course before they can receive their licence. Course dates are limited so it is recommended that you apply for the course as soon as possible to prevent any delay in your application.

Applications

All new applicants must read the Hackney Carriage (Taxi) and Private Hire Policy to ensure they meet the requirements before applying for a licensed drivers badge. 

Please familiarise yourself with the application process before making an application and do not make an application until you have all of the required documentation.

Important information

all new applicants have to submit an application with the following documents:

1. Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service certificate
   Please note we can only accept a DBS check that has been issued in the last 2 calendar months
   
   Please be aware that when you apply for your Enhanced DBS check, you must subscribe to the DBS update service, there is an annual fee of £16 for the subscription. We legally have to check your DBS every 6 months and if you have not subscribed to the DBS update service, you will require a new Enhanced DBS check at your own cost and will not be able to work until the DBS is in place.
2. Group 2 medical assessment with you GP or medical practice

Other documentation which is required:

1. Driver Standards Assessment (Taxi Testing) certificate

In addition to your own GP, or medical practice, we accept medical examinations carried out by a GP at another medical practice, or any GMC (General Medical Council) registered doctor who is licensed to practice in the UK providing the doctor has access to your full medical records.

Important – If using a GP at another medical practice, or any GMC registered doctor, they MUST have access to your full medical records and NOT a summary. We cannot accept any medical examination where a full set of records have not been used.

DVLA check

You will need to get a licence check code from GOV.UK and tell us the code. You will also need to provide us with a copy of your driving licence. 

Fees

Further information

Once an application has been made you will have to sit a knowledge test

The Knowledge Test 

Right to work in the UK