North Dorset Zone - apply for a taxi or private hire vehicle licence
There is a temporary rank in Shaftesbury due to a road closure.
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