Operator licence (for private hire bookings)
If you want to run a private hire taxi business (taking bookings), you need an operator licence.
Key requirements
- You must have a base in the Norwich district.
- Bookings must be taken at this address, and records kept for inspection.
- You need to provide:
- Proof of your right to work in the UK.
- A tax check code (if renewing or previously licensed).
- A fee of 945.50.
- The licence lasts 5 years.
- Planning permission may be needed for your operating base.
Find out more and apply for an operator licence
Vehicle licence (for hackney carriage or private hire vehicles)
To use a vehicle as a taxi or private hire, you need a vehicle licence.
Key requirements
- The vehicle must be less than 5 years old when first licensed.
- Vehicles under 10 years old need an annual inspection; 10+ years need checks every 6 months.
- Required documents:
- V5 registration certificate
- Insurance (appropriate for hire use)
- MOT certificate
- Vehicle inspection sheet
- Meter test certificate (hackney carriages only)
- LOLER certificate (if applicable)
- Applications take at least 6 weeks.
Find out more and apply for a vehicle licence now
Driver licence (to drive licensed vehicles)
To drive a licensed taxi or private hire vehicle in Norwich, you need a driver licence.
Key requirements
You must be 18 or over and have held a full driving licence for at least 12 months.
You must also pass:
- a Knowledge Test (routes or places in Norwich)
- a driving assessment
- disability awareness training
- a wheelchair user assessment (hackney carriage drivers only)
- safeguarding awareness training
You’ll also need:
- a DBS criminal record check
- medical certificate
- proof of right to work
- tax check code (if renewing or previously licensed)
- various ID documents
Fees:
- Hackney carriage: £436 + £103
- Private hire: £303 + £90
- Processing takes at least 6 weeks
Find out more and apply for a driver licence now
Get in touch with the Licensing team
