Both private hire vehicles and hackney carriages may only be driven by licensed drivers and this Council grants a joint licence which allows drivers to drive both kinds of vehicle.

Applicants are only granted a licence if the Council is satisfied that the are "fit and proper persons". To this end checks are made with past and present employers, character referees and the police. Additionally driving licences are checked and applicants must provide a medical certificate.

Having a criminal record does not automatically bar an applicant but this Council does have a policy relating to the relevance of convictions. For example, if anyone has been convicted of an offence involving dishonesty our policy means that we would like to see a period of 5 years free of conviction before an application is entertained. All applications are dealt with on their merits.