Taxi Licensing
The term "taxi" is a generic term applied to both Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicles. The primary difference between the two is that Hackney Carriages "ply for hire" and use taxi ranks, whilst Private Hire Vehicles, which can only be booked in advance, may not.
If you intend to be a Hackney Carriage Driver in the Wealden area you must apply to us for a Driver's Licence and a Vehicle Licence.
If you intend to be a Private Hire Driver you may also need to apply for a Private Hire Operator Licence (see below) in addition to the Driver and Vehicle Licences.
If you intend to make provision for and the acceptance of bookings in the Wealden area then you will need a Private Hire Operator's Licence issued by this Authority. Please note that this requirement does not apply to Hackney Carriage Drivers/ Operators.
Information on the differences between the two types of vehicle can be found on our Vehicle Licences page below. If you do not live or work from an address in Wealden, the Council is unlikely to grant a Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licence to you.
Information and advice on applying for a Driver's Licence.
Information and advice on the different types of vehicle you may wish to drive, and details of how to apply for each.
Information and advice on applying for an Operator's Licence.
Information on how to surrender Private Hire, Hackney, Dual Driver and Operator licences.
Fees are payable at the time of making an application and applications submitted without the correct fee will be rejected. Please see our dedicated fee page for more details.
The Council has adopted a penalty points scheme which will be implemented from 1 July 2013. Visit our page for full details of the scheme.
From the 30 September 2013 new Dual Drivers will need to take the Wealden Knowledge Test. Visit our page for full details of the test.
Information on the criteria we will apply in determining if an applicant or a licence holder is a fit and proper person.
The Wealden District Council Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Handbook is free to download. The handbook is not an exhaustive explanation of all the legislation, regulations and rules but it does provides relevant guidance for drivers, proprietors and operators. It is essential that all drivers, proprietors and operators read the handbook. Please check this site every three months to make sure you have the up to date version.
View the latest version of our newsletter.
Guide Dogs
Drivers who refuse to carry an assistance dog will be issued with penalty points unless the driver has a requisite medical exemption certificate. The Guide Dogs charity have produced the following leaflets to help raise awareness about the requirements to allow assistance dogs into taxis:
Guide Dogs' Access to Taxis (pdf)
Guide Dogs' Top Tips for Taxi Drivers (pdf)