Information about becoming a licensed driver
Have you ever thought about becoming a taxi driver? There are plenty of opportunities in this borough and you can be employed or self-employed.
As a taxi driver in west Norfolk you can enjoy:
- Flexible hours
- Being your own boss*
- Meeting different people
- Serving your community
- Varied work
*Depends on the type of licence you have
The Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk licences taxi drivers in this area. If you’re thinking of becoming a taxi driver, talk to us about what’s involved to see if it’s right for you.
To become a driver, you must:
- Have held a full driving licence for at least 12 months
- Be medically fit to DVLA group 2 (same as lorry and bus) standards
- Obtain a DBS check to enhanced level and meet the criteria regarding previous convictions
- Provide a DVLA check code so we can check your DVLA driving licence history, which must also meet the criteria regarding previous convictions
- Have the right to work in the UK
- Pass a driving standards test
- Pass a knowledge and safeguarding test
- Pass a check on the national NR3 licensing register
We can give you advice on how to go through the process and the kinds of costs involved.
You also need to decide whether you want to be employed or self-employed and whether you want to own or rent a vehicle.
If you want to licence your own vehicle, it must meet the council’s criteria (e.g. age, mileage, insurance etc.). If you become employed, some firms will meet the costs of becoming a licensed driver.
Once you have gone through the process, we can issue you with a combined drivers’ licence, which allows you to drive a licensed vehicle.
Types of taxi work
- Hackney Carriage Vehicle – TAXI – can ply for hire on hackney carriage stands (taxi ranks)
- Private Hire Vehicle – must be pre-booked through a private hire operator. You can work on an employed or self-employed basis for a private hire operator. If you have your own a private hire vehicle on a sole trader basis you need a private hire operator’s licence as well.
- Private Hire Operator – takes bookings for private hire vehicles
To find out more, look at our web page www.west-norfolk.gov.uk/taxitrade or email ehlicensing@west-norfolk.gov.uk