New Driver Licence

To become a private hire driver you need to read and complete the information contained within our application pack. This can be obtained from the Civic Centre in Ashford. You can also request to have it sent to you by post.

Please note that with effect from 21 December 2020, there are changes to licensing requirements. If you requested an application pack prior to 21 December 2020 but have yet to apply, please obtain an updated pack before submitting your application. 

Please also be aware that in line with new national guidance, local policy is being updated to require that Ashford Borough Council licensed drivers work predominately within the borough. As such we request that any applicants from outside of the borough contact licensing@ashford.gov.uk requesting to speak with a Licensing Officer to discuss the potential implications prior to applying.

As part of the process you will need to do the following:

• Pass a practical taxi driving test accepted by Ashford Borough Council. This can be done through agencies such as The Blue Lamp Trust, AA Drivetech, or alternative suppliers who meet our minimum specifications. Should you wish to use an alternative supplier please email the licensing team prior to booking to check that the test will be accepted by us;
• Evidence completion of Safeguarding training. Details of the accepted training providers (via online eLearning) and certificate providers will be published on our Driver pages in due course, but in the meantime we can confirm that we will accept courses from the Blue Lamp Trust (the current cost is £15.00). Should you wish to use an alternative supplier please email the licensing team prior to booking to check that the test will be accepted by us;
• Have an enhanced disclosure and barring service (DBS) check;
• All new drivers will be required to sign up to the DBS update service, and provide the required registration details to us prior to any renewal being granted;
• Pass a group 2 standard medical;
• Have held a full driving licence for at least 12 months;
• If you have ever lived or worked outside the UK for more than 3 months since the age of 18, you are required to provide a certificate of good conduct (COGC) from all the countries you lived in. Details of how to obtain this can be found on the Government website - Certificate of Good Conduct
• Undertake a private hire driver’s test which will test your knowledge on the following: information provided in the pack, the Highway Code and numeracy. This will be arranged once your application has been submitted and;
• Pay the appropriate fee.

Contact us for further information

For further information, or to obtain a pack, please email your full name and home address to licensing@ashford.gov.uk.