Taxi license costs on the increase
Achieving a hackney taxi drivers license involves meeting the local council’s criteria as well as paying for the appropriate licenses. To become a licensed taxi driver in the U.K. a license must be granted from the driver’s local council. The license is issued under the Local Government Act of 1976 and is known as a driver’s license but is different to the license that a general member of the public will have.
Before being granted a license the local council will first carry out checks on the suitability of a prospective driver. Checks are carried out via the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and Criminal Records Bureau (CRB). The council will also require that a medical examination is carried out. Criminal record checks are carried out in order to ensure that the prospective driver doesn’t pose a threat to the public. A candidate will also be expected to supply two character references. These need to come from a professional such as a doctor, teacher or lawyer. The person giving the character reference needs to have known the applicant for at least two years. Applications are generally processed within six weeks.
All licensed taxi drivers need to pay annually for their taxi license. There has been some concern from taxi drivers lately about rising fees. The annual operator licensing fee used to be set at £25 but has risen to £100. The operator’s license is required for any drivers carrying out services on behalf of the council such as school runs. Drivers must also pay £10 to the DVLA for a check as well as a £5 charge to the CRB for administration costs.
With licensing costs on the increase it makes finding the best hackney cabs that much more of a necessity for the UK’s hard-working cabbie.
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