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North Ayrshire Council

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Taxi Operator and Taxi Driver Licensing

Why is a licence required?

It is necessary to have a licence to operate a taxi within North Ayrshire. This means not only a licence for the vehicle but a separate licence for each driver employed to drive it.

Vehicle licences are only granted to vehicles of a certain specification. All vehicles have to comply with the same specification. Vehicles are inspected at least annually in addition to the normal MOT test. Taxis are allowed to park on taxi ranks and can be hailed by would be passengers.

Vehicle Specification

The Vehicle Specification (Word 20.5Kb) is available.

Numbers Limitation

North Ayrshire Council operate a numbers limitation which limits the number of taxis in the area, the area is also separated into zones. Please contact the office, the contact details are at the right of this page, regarding the availability of taxi licences.

Who can apply?

Driver Licence

This licence is required before any person can drive a licensed taxi. Before a licence is granted the applicant must satisfy the Council that:

  • He/she is a fit and proper person to hold such a licence;
  • He/she is medically fit, anyone over the age of 70 is required to undergo a medical;
  • He/she has held a full driving licence for at least twelve months prior to the date of application.

Taxi Operator

Again the applicant must pass the fit and proper test to hold such a licence. The vehicle must also pass a vehicle inspection at the North Ayrshire Council garage and must meet the specifications.

How to Apply

You can download:

Alternatively, an application form can be obtained using the contact details on the right of this page.

Completed application forms should also be sent to the contact details at the right of this page. The application form should be accompanied by the appropriate documentation and non refundable fee.

Fees

These fees are subject to annual review.

The fee is not returnable if you decide to withdraw the application or if the licence is refused.

What is the difference between a Vehicle and a Driver's licence?
A vehicle licence is for the car/vehicle to be operated. It is often referred to as an Operator's Licence. A driver's licence is for the person who will be driving the car/vehicle. This ensures that both the vehicle and the person driving it are authorised to operate as a taxi.

What is the difference between a taxi and a private hire car?
A taxi (black cab, Hackney or London-style taxi) is available for hire in a public place. This means it can wait in a taxi rank or be hailed in the street. A private hire car can only be used for hire by private arrangement - usually by telephoning for it.

What fares can I charge my taxi passengers?
The Council has a duty to fix maximum fares or tariffs which apply to both taxis and private hire cars. These are based on the start time of the hire and the distance travelled. You cannot charge your passengers more than these fares but you can charge less if you wish. If you are granted an Operator's Licence, then you will be issued with a fare card which indicates the charges for each tariff and you are legally obliged to display this in your vehicle so that passengers can see it.

What conditions are attached to a taxi licence?
Any relevant conditions will show on your licence.

If I am applying for a taxi licence, will the council ask the police about me?
Yes, if you are applying for a taxi licence, the council will check that you are a fit and proper person to hold a licence.

Do I need a medical before I can get a taxi licence?
You will need a medical certificate from a doctor if you are making a new application for a Taxi or Private Hire Car Driver's Licence. Drivers aged 65 or over have to submit annual medical certificates.

Do I have to pass any tests before I can get a taxi licence?
If you want to drive a black cabs (London-style Hackney cab) you have to sit and pass a knowledge test of the zone in which you wish to operate, so that you have an excellent knowledge of local streets and roads. You may also sit a test that ensures you know how to help disabled passengers get into and out of your cab. If you want to be a private hire driver, you do not have to sit any tests.

Do I have to have a normal driver's licence before I can apply for a taxi driver's licence?
Yes. If you are applying for a Taxi Driver's Licence, you must have held a full current national (DVLA) driving licence for a minimum of 12 months. A provisional licence is not sufficient.

Can I get a temporary taxi licence?
If you have applied for a taxi driver's licence and there are no police objections, you will be granted a Temporary Licence on production of a medical certificate from your GP indicating that you are fit to drive a taxi.

As a taxi driver, can I pick up passengers anywhere?
Each driver/operator must either uplift or drop off passengers within the zone for which they have a licence. Black cabs (London-style Hackney cabs) can pick up passengers off the street or from taxi ranks. Private hire cabs must be pre-booked, and cannot be hailed in the street.