Purbeck Zone - apply for a taxi or private hire vehicle licence
Our Licensing Policy sets out the requirements of applicants.
Apply for a driver's licence
Before you apply, you should read the Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Drivers Licensing Procedure.
You'll need to provide:
Knowledge and suitability interview
You'll also need to attend and pass the knowledge and suitability interview. The interview is in two parts and conducted in English.
If you are applying for a Private Hire Vehicle Drivers Licence, you'll only need to sit the second part of the knowledge and suitability interview.
The first part tests your knowledge of streets, locations, attractions, entertainment venues and general geography of the area. You'll need to identify the location of at least 3 popular destinations and accurately describe at least 3 routes between given locations.
The second part tests your knowledge of relevant regulations, numeracy, and character. It will also help us to assess your general suitability. You'll be required to answer a series of questions based on the Licensing Policy and Guidance.
Complete the application form
Complete the driver's licence application form and return it to us.
Apply for a vehicle licence
You'll need to provide:
Vehicles can be tested at the following garages:
vehicle test garages
| Garage | Address | Telephone No |
|---|
|
Purbeck Ford
|
Corfe Road, Wareham, Dorset BH20 5AA
|
01929 552151
|
|
St Michael's Garage
|
Valley Road, Swanage, Dorset BH19 3DX
|
01929 480221
|
|
Wool and Bovington Motors
|
Dorchester Road, Wool, Dorchester, Dorset BH20 6EH
|
01929 462248
|
Contact the garage for their fees.
Complete the application form
Complete the vehicle licence application form and return it to us.
Transfer a licensed vehicle
If you sell or transfer your vehicle you need to let us know by completing the Transfer of Interest in a Licensed Vehicle application form
Apply for a private hire operator licence
You'll need to provide payment of the licence fee.
Complete the private hire operators licence application form and return it to us.
Licence fees
Vehicle licence
Vehicle licence fees
| Type of licence/service | Cost |
|---|
| Licence plate (new application) |
£161 |
| Temporary licence plate (3 months) |
£35 |
| Replacement/amendment/transfer of interest |
£10 |
Drivers licence
New drivers licence fees
| Type of licence/service | Cost |
|---|
| Knowledge and Suitability Interview |
£104 |
| Disclosure and Barring Service check (formerly CRB) |
£56 (unless you choose the online option) |
| Licence fee (3 Years) |
£127 |
| Annual licence |
£56 |
| Replacement/amendment badge |
£5 |
Renewals
Renewal fees
| Type of licence/service | Cost |
|---|
| Disclosure and Barring Service check (formerly CRB) |
£56 (unless you choose the online option) |
| Annual licence |
£56 |
| Replacement/amendment badge |
£5 |
Operators licence
Operators licence fees
| Type of licence/service | Cost |
|---|
| Private Hire Operator Licence for 1 year |
£87 |
| Private Hire Operator Licence for 5 years |
£400 |
Taxi fares
View the taxi fares and charges.
Contact us
Westport House opening hours
Westport House opening hours
| Day | Times |
|---|
|
Monday to Thursday
|
8.45am to 4.45pm
|
|
Friday
|
8.45am to 4.15pm
|
|
Saturday and Sunday
|
Closed
|