Taxi and private hire

Taxi and private hire licensing in Norwich – what you need to know

Norwich City Council is responsible for making sure taxis (also called hackney carriages) and private hire vehicles are safe and properly licensed. This includes checking the vehicles, drivers, and operators to make sure they meet legal and safety standards.

Types of licences

There are three main types of licences:

• driver licence – for anyone who wants to drive a licensed taxi or private hire vehicle.
• vehicle licence – for the actual car used as a taxi or private hire.
• operator licence – for businesses that take bookings for private hire vehicles.

Becoming a licensed driver

To drive a taxi or private hire vehicle in Norwich, you must:

• be at least 18 years old
• have held a full UK driving licence for at least 12 months
• pass a knowledge test (different for taxi and private hire drivers)
• pass a driving assessment and, if applying for a taxi licence, a wheelchair accessibility test
• complete safeguarding training
• provide a medical certificate from your doctor
• pass a criminal record check (DBS)
• prove your right to work in the UK
• complete a tax check with HMRC if renewing or reapplying

You’ll also need to provide ID documents, a photo, and pay the relevant fees. The application process can take at least six weeks.

Vehicle safety

All licensed vehicles must pass a special safety test called a Conditions of Fitness Test – this is like an enhanced MOT. It checks the car’s mechanical safety and other requirements specific to taxis and private hire vehicles.

Licence conditions

Drivers and operators must follow strict rules. 

For example:

• you must tell the council within 7 days if you get a caution, conviction, or driving offence.
• you must also report if you’re added to any list that restricts working with children or vulnerable adults.

Norwich City Council also uses a national register (NR3) to track licence refusals and revocations across the UK.