Useful information and links on how to become a Medway licensed Home to School, Private Hire or Hackney Carriage driver
Please click here for the knowledge test structure
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Please click here for information on how to apply click here
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Please click here to download the Taxi policy
Applying for a private hire or hackney carriage driver licence
Before you apply, you should consider if this is the right career for you. You may want to consider:
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the number of private hire and hackney carriage drivers already licensed
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income
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hours
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outlay costs – including buying or renting a suitable vehicle, additional equipment and the costs of annual hire and reward insurance and vehicle inspections
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You may want to speak to locally licensed private hire and hackney carriage drivers, a local private hire company.
There is a two stage process to obtain a driver licence.
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About the knowledge test
The knowledge test is the first step when applying for a driver licence.
All areas within Medway may be included in the questions for routes in section 4 and prominent places in section 5.
A knowledge test costs £65.
You will need to provide photographic ID, such as a DVLA licence or passport to sit the test. Without it, you'll be unable to sit the test and will lose your fee.
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You must be 18 years or older to apply.
You should not proceed with the application until you've passed the knowledge test. If you do, it could lead to your pass certificate expiring before the rest of the application requirements are met. This will result in you having to resit and pass the knowledge test again.
About booking the test
Test spaces are available on a first come, first serve basis on receipt of a complete application and payment of the required fees.
Any number of tests can be taken. If you need to resit the test, you can make a booking online.
There are no specimen tests to view or study. This is because we want our licensed drivers to have a genuine and thorough knowledge of the subject areas being tested. We do not think this can be achieved if applicants are able to memorise a select number of questions and answers. You can use Gravesham Borough Council's guidance note for an overview of the content to help you prepare for the test.
Knowledge tests are generally held monthly, but may be held more or less frequently from time to time depending on demand and resources.
What you'll need to do before applying
New applicants must pay the fee in full before their application will be processed.
If you want to resit the test, you must pay the fee in full before each application to resit the test will be processed.
Results of your test
Results of your knowledge test will be sent to you by email. This is usually within five working days.
If you pass, you'll be able to apply for your licence.
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Who can apply
Before applying for a licence you must first pass the appropriate Knowledge Test.
To apply, applicants must:
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have a satisfactory command of English
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hold a full DVLA, Northern Ireland, or other EEA state driving licence that was issued at least 12 months ago
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be 18 years old or over
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have an enhanced criminal records check from the Disclosure and Barring Service
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have a medical examination with a registered GP who must have access to your medical records
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get a driving standards pass certificate from one of our authorised driving assessment providers
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provide two passport photos with a Form of Endorsement
If you have lived outside of the UK at any time in the last 5 years, then you must get certificates of good conduct from the Police at each property you have lived with details of any driving or criminal convictions.
Certificates must be translated into English and must be verified as genuine by the relevant embassy in the UK for the country of origin.
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