Taxis and Private Hire Car Licence Requirements in Scotland

 

TaxisSt Andrews Due to the coronavirus pandemic training courses for taxi/private hire car drivers have been postponed.

Applicants must undergo a criminal record check.St Andrews Taxis Company

Applicants should also have a satisfactory medical report. This is a requirement of the Licensing Committee and must be supplied by a GP. It must be provided before the application is submitted.

Taxi Driver Licensing

Under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 if you wish to drive taxis or private hire cars for payment you will need to apply for a licence. You will also need a licence if you run or operate a taxi and private hire booking office. See the Documents section for application forms and further information.St Andrews taxis

You will have to pass a topographical test and a driving test in order to get your taxi driver licence. You will also have to attend a series of training classes, currently delivered by Edinburgh College. These are a mix of theoretical modules and practical sessions. If you do not pass these then the Council will not grant your licence.St Andrew Taxi

All drivers will have to provide a medical certificate. The council will arrange a time and venue for this. You will need to bring your photographic ID with you and a list of any medications that you are taking. The doctor will check that you are fit to drive a taxi.St Andrews Taxis

Any applicant who is not a British citizen will have to prove that they have the right to work in the UK. This is done through immigration checks. It is a requirement that these checks are carried out by the licensing authority and must be completed before any licence can be granted.

It is important that you tell us if you have any convictions, especially serious ones. This is because they will be regarded as having a negative impact on the availability of taxis and could result in you being disqualified from driving them. Having a conviction will not automatically stop you from getting a taxi driver licence but it will be considered on its own merits, taking into account the penalty imposed and any mitigating factors.AirportTransfers Dundee

If you have any health condition that may impact on your fitness to drive a taxi then you will need to be assessed by a health professional and/or an occupational health specialist at 3fivetwo healthcare. They will recommend any equipment or vehicle adaptations that you might need. These must be fitted by a Motability approved installer before the licence can be granted.

Types of Vehicles

There are a variety of vehicles which can operate as taxis, from the iconic black cab to minibuses. Some councils have specific criteria as to the type of vehicle they will licence, while others have a more general policy. Some have specific requirements as to the age of a vehicle, whilst others require that drivers complete additional training in order to operate certain types of vehicles.

Local authorities are also permitted to set a minimum level of vehicle safety and comfort standards. This includes requiring drivers to install CCTV in their vehicle. Many have also introduced requirements for drivers to complete an assessment of their fitness to drive a taxi. This is often combined with a medical test, and the results are recorded on a database. This information is then shared with police services throughout Scotland.

In addition, the vast majority of taxis and PHVs have meters. These are a vital tool for ensuring that passengers pay fair prices, and should be clearly visible to passengers at all times. If a driver fails to display a meter or is not able to explain how they calculate their fare, passengers are advised to complain to the licensing section.

Licences to drive taxis and PHVs are granted by the council, and are normally issued for a year. They are subject to strict vetting by Police Scotland, and a full check of driving history is also carried out.

If an objection or representation is received the application must be considered at a Hearing of the Licensing Committee and you will be formally invited to attend. This is an opportunity for you to speak in favour of your application and to make any representations that may help your case.

Class C taxis are licensed to provide a chauffeur service for weddings, funerals and courtesy transport. They must be pre-booked and cannot be hailed or used on taxi ranks. They are also unable to carry wheelchairs. The driver must be licensed by the Council and be able to show you their identity badge when requested. Licences to drive Class C taxis are issued by the Council, and are normally granted for a year.

Training Requirements

All applicants for taxi and private hire car licences must attend a council run training course. This takes the form of five separate training classes (commonly known as modules) relating to the practical aspects of being a taxi driver. All modules must be passed before a licence will be issued.

The council also expects applicants to pass a route test. This test is intended to ensure that drivers know where to go to pick up fares. The council will not issue a licence to anyone who cannot pass this test.

If you are over 45 years of age and wish to apply for a taxi licence or renew your existing licence you must submit a medical report. This should be completed by a doctor and must be signed and dated before the date your current licence expires. The cost of a medical report is not included in the taxi licensing fees.

In addition, you will need to provide a copy of your driving licence and a recent utility bill showing your address. You may also be required to provide a police caution or conviction certificate, depending on the nature of your application.

You will be required to undertake a background check via AccessNI before your application can be considered. This will check for any criminal records you have and the results of any security checks carried out on you. If you have been refused a licence or your application has been delayed because of these checks you have the right to appeal against the decision to Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court.

Licensing authorities have discretion to limit the number of taxis that they licence. However, they must be careful not to set criteria that only purpose-built vehicles can be licensed. This could be interpreted as a restriction on supply, which would be contrary to the spirit of the Act. Licensing authorities that presently restrict the numbers of taxi licences are encouraged to review their policies periodically.

It is a requirement of the law that taxi drivers must wear a photo badge while they are working. This is usually worn around the neck on a lanyard. You must also carry the licence with you at all times. In addition, you must inspect the taximeter from time to time to make sure that the seal is intact. If you notice that the seal has been broken or the taximeter is not functioning properly then you must notify the council immediately.

Taxi Operator Licensing

The taxi and private hire car industry is regulated at a local level by licensing authorities. Licensing authority requirements will vary but most will require you to have a valid driving licence. Some will also have a topographical assessment which tests your knowledge of the area and its layout including streets, landmarks and points of interest. Some will require you to complete a training programme and others will require that your vehicle passes an examination. You will also be required to have a basic Disclosure certificate issued by Access NI for all persons who operate your vehicle.

The overarching legislation is the Civic Government Act 1982 but most day to day administration is devolved to local authorities who are responsible for the application of the legislation in their areas. It is therefore important to speak to your local council before completing the application process.plumbing inDundee

Many licensing authorities will have an exemption criteria as to the type of vehicle that they will licence but in general most will be willing to licence a wide range of vehicles. However, it is important to note that a licence will only be granted if there is an unmet demand for taxis.

It is important to know that in the event of a challenge to the issue of a licence by any individual or body it will be necessary for the licensing authority to demonstrate to the court that there was a significant unmet demand for taxis in its area. In addition, it is also important to understand that any decision to restrict the number of taxis will be subject to appeal.

In general, licensing authorities will only consider applications from individuals that are deemed to be ‘fit and proper’. This will be considered on a number of factors including any criminal records, previous applications for licences made, employment history and business experience. The Department for Infrastructure will also need to be satisfied that you have the right to work in the UK before a licence can be awarded.