There are three main requirements (if intending to drive own vehicle):
- Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Drivers Licence (3 Year Licence) find full information in the pack
- Private Hire Vehicle Licence (valid from date of test for 12 months) details on the application form
- Private Hire Operators Licence (5 Year Licence)
Operator Requirements for Renewals and New Applicants
- Fully completed electronic application form and the fee
- Standard Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate for each proposed licensee or director, unless applicants are licensed driver at Stoke or are subscribed to the update service (DBS Certificate must be dated within 3 months)
- Valid Safeguarding training unless currently licensed as a driver with us.
- Renewals must complete a Tax Check with the HMRC and provide the code to licensing.
- New Applicants if you are already licensed with another authority you must complete a Tax Check with HMRC and provide the code to licensing.
Requirements for New Applications
- Based in Stoke-on-Trent
- Door signs to be e-mailed, accurate measurement of the sign and wording required please state the measurements on the image – see guidance at the end
- Proof of rights to work in the UK
- Proposed Business Plan
- Standard Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate for each proposed licensee or director, unless they are licensed driver with Stoke or are subscribed to the update service (DBS Certificate must be dated within 3 months)
- Certificate of Public Liability if you have a waiting room for the public
Door Sign Guidance
If the advice is not followed signs may need to be amended
1. Vehicle licences/plates cannot be issued until the driver is licensed to drive
2. Must Contain: the trading name and telephone number of the firm to a minimum font size of 4cm
3. The word “Private Hire” to a minimum font size of 3.5cm
4. Use a ‘legible font’
5. Can contain graphics e.g. a minor border around the perimeter. Minor is defined as ‘not diverting attention from the text of the sign’ Or none intrusive picture graphics e.g. car, aeroplane (but not limited to these images).
6. Must not contain unauthorised logos or to be misleading e.g. resembles other Private Hire Operators Signage, currently licenced with Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Police signage, royal approval or copyrighted symbols.
7. Must not contain anything symbolising religious or political messages.
8. Must not contain nationalistic symbolism e.g. Flags/emblems.
9. The trading name must not contain the word “Taxi”, “Hackney” or “Cab” or alternative spellings which convey the same sound, such as “Tacsi”, “Acne” or “Kab”. (except Operators licensed on 01 September 2007 who can continue to use the word ‘Cab’ in their trading name and door sign if the respective private hire operators’ licence remains in force and uses the same trading name.)
10. Must be permanently affixed (if vehicles are operating from 2 bases smallest sign needs to be permanent) and shown on a distinctly contrasting background colour, be positioned on the upper half of the two front doors*
After completing your application form. please email your supporting documents to hcp.licensing@stoke.gov.uk.