Apply for a taxi or private hire licence

We are responsible for making sure that the taxi and private hire trade in St Helens is operated in a professional manner and that the correct standards of safety and comfort are satisfied by all licensed drivers.

There are specific criteria that you must meet before a licence can be granted:

• A satisfactory DBS certificate
• A satisfactory group 2 medical (PDF, 578 KB)(opens new window)
• A satisfactory DVLA mandate
• A satisfactory NR3 check (PDF, 120 KB)(opens new window)
• Passed the essential training

Please read our taxi licensing policy (PDF, 2 MB)(opens new window) before making your application.

Step 1: Submit an application for a Hackney Carriage/ Private Hire Drivers Licence

To submit your application for a Hackney Carriage/ Private Hire Drivers Licence you will need to complete the online application form. You must also upload the following documentation:

• DVLA driving licence (held for at least 12 months (both sides))
• A valid UK or Irish passport. For applicants who are not UK nationals by birth or by naturalisation must also produce a Home Office check code in order for us to check your right to work status, along with your passport.
• National insurance number (either the number card, official national insurance number letter from the DWP or the national insurance letter obtainable from the government gateway website)
• DVLA mandate check code
• HMRC tax check code (from 4 April 2022 if applicable). Please read the 'tax checks' section for full information.
• Recent colour passport-sized photograph (The photograph must include your head & shoulders and be taken with a white/pale background).
• Change of name deed poll, or marriage certificate if you have been known by another name.
• A certificate of good character (COGC) from the relevant Embassy if you have spent 3 or more continuous months outside of the UK since turning 18. The COGC must be in English.

Please note that upon submission of your application you will be contacted to make a payment for your licence (either 1 or 3 years), Enhanced DBS check (step 2), the Essential Training (step 3), and the DVLA mandate check. Details of the fees involved can be found here.

Step 2: Enhanced DBS Check

Note: Our DBS checks are completed via an online portal provided by Zellis.

Following the submission of your application form you will then receive information via email and text message from Zellis, our DBS provider, containing a link to the DBS portal along with a password to access your account in order to complete your application for an Enhanced DBS check.

Upon logging in, you will need to complete all sections of the DBS form and complete the digital ID verification.

Note: All documents (including your DVLA driving licence) must be in your current address. These are the requirements of the DBS and not the Council. We are unable to process your DBS application without these.

DBS certificates are valid for a period of 2 months from the date that they're issued.

Once you have received your DBS certificate you must register with the DBS Update Service. You must retain proof of your subscription to the DBS update service, and provide a copy of this to us by emailing taxilicensing@sthelens.gov.uk

What if I already have a DBS certificate that is registered with the DBS Update Service?

If you already have a "other workforce taxi driver" Enhanced DBS certificate that is registered with this DBS update service you will need to email us a copy of each page of the certificate, along with evidence of your subscription. You must also complete our application for online checking of DBS certificates form (PDF, 39 KB) in order to give us your consent to perform a check on your DBS.

Step 3: Complete the Essential Training

At the same time we contact you to make payment for your application (following the completion of step 1) you will be booked onto the essential training, which is comprised of a safeguarding element, and a disability awareness element.

Step 4: Obtain a Group 2 Medical Assessment from a G.P. who has access to your medical records.

The Group 2 Medical Assessment form which you must take to your appointment with your G.P. can be downloaded here. (PDF, 578 KB)

Medical assessments are valid for a period of 2 months from the date they're completed. Only pages 1 and 2 of the medical assessment need to be returned to us.

Step 5: Collect your licence

Once you have registered with the DBS update service, obtained a group 2 medical assessment, completed the essential training, and submitted your application for a Hackney Carriage/ Private Hire Drivers Licence you must bring  the following documentation to St Helens Town Hall in order to receive your licence (providing there are no instances that would trigger a referral to the Licensing & Environmental Protection Committee in line with our policies):

• DBS certificate
• Completed group 2 medical assessment
• DVLA licence
• Passport
• Essential training certificate
• Any other documentation as requested e.g. certificate of good character, change of name deed poll.