New driver licence
New driver information
If you would like to become a taxi or private hire driver please see the below information about how to apply and the application process. You should read the policy before submitting your application.
For Hackney Carriage drivers, please also read the byelaws.
Criminal and driving convictions
- If you’ve got a criminal conviction or points you should read the Relevance of Convictions policy, 2022 (pdf, 205 KB) before applying.
This document clearly lays out our policy with regards to criminal convictions. If you wish to apply for a new licence and have criminal convictions please email licensing@tewkesbury.gov.uk to discuss the process with a Licensing Officer.
National Register of Taxi Licence Revocations, Refusals and Suspensions (NR3S)
Tewkesbury Borough Council has signed up to the National Register of Taxi Licence Refusals, Revocations and Refusals (NR3S). From 1st April 2022 Officers will use the register to check all new and renewal driver applications to establish whether they have had a licence revoked or an application refused by another authority.
- National Register of Refusals, Revocations and Suspensions (NR3S) guidance (docx, 17 KB)
- National Register of Refusals, Revocations and Suspensions (NR3S) policy (docx, 72 KB)
Guidance
Further information regarding each requirement below can be read in the Guidance notes for drivers (pdf, 179 KB).
Application Step 1
You will need to email the following to licensing@tewkesbury.gov.uk;
- Photo of your DVLA driving licence along with your request to proceed with licensing as a driver
- Your DBS application reference number (or confirmation that you will be applying for this through your operator) Please apply for your DBS here. Please read the guidance notes for login details
- English Proficiency evidence (see below) or payment receipt for the £45 English test fee if the test is required – for further information please refer to Step 1 of the Guidance Notes for drivers above. If you are unable to provide satisfactory documents, then please book an English proficiency test by paying the £45 fee through our online payment system, and then sending your receipt through to licensing@tewkesbury.gov.uk . The test will be conducted at your appointment in Step 2.
- Hackney Carriage applicants ONLY: Knowledge test should be passed
Application Step 2
Once we have received your request from Step 1, the Licensing Team will contact you by email to arrange an appointment. At the appointment you will need to bring:
- ID documents for your DBS check – please see here for a list of what documents to provide Documents you need for a criminal record check. The Licensing Officer will submit your application at the meeting
- Right to work document
- Certificate of good conduct (if necessary)
- Your mobile phone with the versant app downloaded if you are sitting an English Proficiency test (we also suggest that you bring headphones)
Once you have completed Step 2 and a satisfactory DBS check has been received with no relevant convictions you can move onto Step 3
Application Step 3
Please email into licensing along with your reference number:
- Completed Driver application form (pdf, 188 KB) which should include your DVLA check code and HMRC tax code
- provide a passport photo – this will need to be a clear photo of yourself against a plain background
- Safeguarding and Equalities Training Certificate – Please see here for upcoming dates and locations Safeguarding dates 2023 (pdf, 124KB)
- Completed Driver medical declaration form (pdf, 109 KB) and DVLA medical examination report
- Proof of your registration to the DBS Online Update Service (you will need your DBS certificate number to do this – please refer to the driver guidance notes) and copy of the DBS Certificate
- Pay the application fee online
Determination of the licence
If all of the steps above are satisfactory, your licence will be processed and with you within in 20 working days of the Council receiving the full and valid application.
If there are any unsatisfactory steps, for example criminal conviction information that is within policy timescales, the application will be referred to a Licensing Sub-Committee for determination. The Members can choose to grant or refuse the licence.
Review of a driver licence
If the Licensing Authority has concerns that the driver is not ‘fit and proper’ and causing concerns regarding public safety, they can review the licence. This can be done immediately and result in suspension or revocation of the licence or by a Licensing Sub Committee whereby the licence holder will be invited to answer questions.
Appeals
The applicant/licence holder can appeal to the local magistrates’ court if they are dissatisfied with the decision. The parties can do this by writing to HMCTS Gloucestershire, PO Box 9051, Gloucester, GL1 2XG.
Granting of the licence
Once all of the above has been completed to a satisfactory level the Licensing Team will issue your licence. We will email you a paper licence. You will need to keep the paper licence within the vehicle at all times for members of the public and the police to view in the absence of your badge. If you can’t print the letter you can show it from your phone.
Your badge will then be posted out to you at our earliest convenience. When you receive your badge you must remember that you shall, at all times, when in charge of a licensed vehicle wear your driver’s badge supplied by the Council and the badge should be clearly visible.