Medical exemptions
The Equality Act 2010 places a duty on hackney carriage and private hire drivers to carry wheelchair passengers or assistance dogs at no extra cost. Drivers cannot refuse to carry wheelchair passengers or other assistance dogs.
Drivers that cannot carry wheelchair passengers or assistance dogs must carry a certificate of exemption, issued by us, which will confirm you have permission to refuse on medical grounds.
There are no exemptions, medical or otherwise, for a hackney carriage/private hire driver to refuse to convey a reasonable amount of luggage or to provide reasonable assistance in loading or unloading luggage.
Apply for a medical exemption
To apply for a medical exemption you will need to complete the medical exemption application form (PDF, 576 KB)(opens new window) and submit it along with the following documentation:
- A letter from your GP which details:
- What duties cannot be undertaken
- Why they cannot be undertaken
- The date the condition was first noted
- How long the duties cannot be undertaken for
- There will also be an administration fee.
If we are satisfied with the information provided then you will be granted a temporary exemption, which will last for three months. In some cases, the medical exemption application will be determined by the Licensing & Environmental Protection Committee.
If you need the temporary exemption to be extended, you will need to contact your GP to obtain a more in-depth medical report on your medical condition and take this report along with the statement of fitness form (PDF, 119 KB)(opens new window) to one of the council's approved medical practitioners:
Dr C Young Phoenix Medical Centre Tel: 01744 621120 | Patterdale Lodge Practice Legh Street Tel: 01925 227111 | Dr A Brennan Fiveways Health Centre Tel: 0151 295 9300 |
The council's approved medical practitioner will complete the statement of fitness form (PDF, 119 KB)(opens new window) and give their opinion on your capability to undertake your duties and how long you're likely to be unable to perform your duties.
You will then need to submit the statement of fitness form and all documentation that your GP has provided to us for consideration.
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