North Dorset Zone - apply for a taxi or private hire vehicle licence
Government advice about taxis and private hire vehicles during the coronavirus
You should wear a face covering when using taxis or private hire vehicles. A taxi driver may be entitled to refuse to accept you if you are not wearing a face covering.
Keep a 2 metre distance from others during your journey, for example at taxi ranks. If you need to be near other people you should:
- avoid physical contact
- try to face away from other people
- keep the time you spend near other people as short as possible
Follow the advice of the driver. For example, you may be asked to sit in the back left-hand seat if travelling alone. You may want to check with your taxi or private hire operator before travelling if they have put any additional measures in place.
You should use contactless payment if possible, or find out if you can pay online in advance. Be aware of the surfaces you touch. Be careful not to touch your face. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or the inside of your elbow when coughing or sneezing.
When finishing your journey wash your hands for at least 20 seconds or sanitise your hands as soon as possible.
Government advice about public travel during the coronavirus
The government has published transport guidance for operators and passengers in England.
Read the government's full advice for travelling during the coronavirus.
The guide for operators will help organisations, agencies and others (such as self-employed transport providers) understand how to provide safer workplaces and services for themselves, their workers and passengers across all modes of private and public transport. Each transport provider will need to translate the principles and examples in this guidance into specific actions.
Read the letter and Q&A for the taxi/PHV sector, containing links to the guidance and answers to common questions.
Our Taxi Licensing Policy is used to decide whether or not a licence is granted.
Driver's licence
Before you start
You'll need to provide:
You will also need a driving qualification (DSA Taxi test, BTEC, PSV, HGV, CPC or advanced motorist test). Contact one of our approved driving instructors to book:
- Dennis Griffin (based in Gillingham) - 07714 323254
- Alistar Pickett (based in Blandford) - 07810 591590
If you live outside of the North Dorset Zone you'll be required to undertake a knowledge test which is based on the geography of the area and the information in the taxi licensing booklet.
Apply for a driver's licence
Complete the online application. If you have not had a licence or permit with the council before, you will need to register. If you are an existing customer, contact us to get an activation key which will allow you to view your past applications and save you re-entering all of your details.
Start now
Vehicle licence
Before you start
You should read the National Inspection Standard before you apply, which we have adopted as the required standard for any licensed vehicle.
You'll need to provide:
We will only consider your application once we've received the relevant documentation and payment.
Apply for a vehicle licence
Complete the online application. If you have not had a licence or permit with the council before, you will need to register. If you are an existing customer, contact us to get an activation key which will allow you to view your past applications and save you re-entering all of your details.
Start now
Private hire operator licence
Before you start
You'll need to provide:
- payment of £360 for a 5 year licence
- a basic disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (not required if you already have a drivers licence with us)
Apply for a private hire operator licence
Complete the online application. If you have not had a licence or permit with the council before, you will need to register. If you are an existing customer, contact us to get an activation key which will allow you to view your past applications and save you re-entering all of your details.
Start now
Licence fees
Vehicle licence fees
Vehicle licence fees
| Type of licence/service | Cost |
|---|
| Hackney Carriage Licence Fee |
£116 |
| Private Hire Licence Fee |
£109 |
| Plate Holder |
£14 (£7.50 for plate holder, £6.50 for stick on bracket) |
| Replacement Plate |
£30 |
| Replacement Licence |
£10.50 |
Driver licence fees
Driver licence fees
| Type of licence/service | Cost |
|---|
| New Hackney Carriage Driver |
£206 |
| New Private Hire Driver |
£200 |
| New Joint PH/HC Licence |
£320 |
| Renewal – PH or HC licence |
£164 |
| Renewal – Joint PH & HC Licence |
£296 |
| Replacement Badge |
£15 |
| Replacement Licence |
£10.50 |
Operator licence fees
Operator licence fees
| Type of licence/service | Cost |
|---|
| Private Hire Operator |
£360 |
| Replacement Licence |
£10.50 |
Taxi fares
View the taxi fares and charges.
Contact us