East Dorset Zone - apply for a taxi or private hire vehicle licence

Vehicle licences are usually granted for 1 year, driver licences for 3 years and operator licences for 5 years.

Licensed operators can only operate vehicles and drivers that are licensed in the same zone, for example an East Dorset Zone operator may only operate vehicles/drivers who are also registered in the East Dorset Zone.

Important notice

From 13 March 2020 you will be unable to renew your driver and vehicle licences online. This is due to essential system updates. To renew your licence during this time, you will need to complete and submit a manual renewal application form, see application forms below. Payment can then be taken over the phone by debit or credit card.

Before you start

You should read the Licence Policies and Conditions for details of fees and the application process.

As part of the process you will need to complete:

• a driving assessment
• a medical examination form completed by your doctor

Apply for a licence

Complete the relevant application form and return it to us along with the supporting documents. 

• hackney/private hire driver licence application form
• operator licence application form
• vehicle application form

Taxi fares

The council sets the maximum fares that taxis are able to charge. View the taxi fares chart.

If you make a booking with a private hire company you should agree the fare before the booking is confirmed as the council does not set these fares.

Wheelchair accessible vehicles

View the contact details of companies with wheelchair accessible vehicles. These vehicles have been formally designated as wheelchair accessible vehicles under the Equality Act 2010.

Register of licensed drivers, vehicles and operators

View the register of licensed drivers, vehicles and operators.