Hackney carriage and private hire driver licences
Renewal reminders
The Licensing Team are currently unable to issue renewal reminders. Licence Holders are strongly advised to check the expiry date of your licence and submit applications in good time. More information may be found on our licensing webpages or by enquiry to the Licensing Team. Where a reminder is not issued or received, this will not be accepted as a reason why an application to renew the licence has not been made in time.
Contents
- Hackney carriage and private hire driver licences
- Tests and training
- Medical certificate assessment
- DBS check
- Tax checks
- Right to work
- Driving licence
- Apply for a driver licence
Hackney carriage and private hire driver licences
Hackney carriage and private hire driver licences allow you to drive a licensed vehicle. The holder of a North Northamptonshire licence is considered a professional driver and should always demonstrate high professional standards.
If you want to be licensed with us, you can apply to be:
- a hackney carriage vehicle driver only
- a private hire vehicle driver only
or - a dual hackney carriage and private hire vehicle driver
All private hire and hackney carriage applications will relate to the whole geographical area of North Northamptonshire.
Checks
Before making your application to us you will need to complete several tests and checks in advance. The tests needed will depend on the type of application.
As some of these tests and checks are carried out by third parties, you should apply in good time and with plenty of notice to avoid delays.
Expiry
A hackney carriage, private hire or dual driver’s licence will remain in force until the expiry date stated on the licence, unless it's suspended or revoked by us. The licence will be subject to conditions.
Applications and fees for these licences are for a three-year period only. We may issue a driver licence for less than three years:
- at your request
- where your right to remain in the UK is less than the three-year period. If the licence is approved it would only be issued for same time as the leave to remain
- where your medical check identified a requirement for review within the three-year period
There will be no reduction in fee for a licence granted for a shorter term.
Last updated 18 August 2026