In order to apply, you must:
- Be a “fit and proper” person, including an operating address within Wealden
- Undertake a DBS (CRB) check
- Provide two character references
You do not need to hold any other licence to be issued with an operator’s licence.
Applicants are required to have read the DBS Enhanced Check Privacy Policy before making an application for disclosure and you will be asked to declare that you have read and understood how the DBS will process your personal data on your application form. Please visit their website to read the DBS Enhanced Check Privacy Policy
You can view the DBS code of practice at DBS code of Practice
Operator Licence for Existing Dual Drivers
If you already hold a Dual Driver’s licence, you will not be required to undertake an additional DBS check or provide separate references.
- Download and complete our Operator Licence Application Form (pdf)
- Make a Payment Online
Operator Licence for non-Dual Driver Licence Holders
If your operator’s licence is to stand alone from a driver’s licence, please contact the Licensing Officer to arrange an appointment to which you should bring your completed form, together with:
- An online payment for the application before your appointment (see Application Fees page). If you pay online you will be emailed your receipt, please show this to the Licensing Officer during your appointment.
- Payment for the DBS check made online at Rother District Council
- Driving licence – photo card and paper counterpart
- Passport or birth certificate
- Household utility bill/bank statement not more than 3 months old, confirming your current address
- Passport style photo
- Full address history for the last five years
- Employment history giving name and address for the past 5 years.
Applications cannot be determined until a response has been received from the DBS and the process may take up to 6/8 weeks. You cannot operate as a Private Hire Operator until your licence has been determined.
Operator Licence Renewals
Once licensed, the appropriate renewal documentation will be sent to you about 8 weeks before the expiry of your Operator’s Licence. As part of your renewal you will need to:
- Complete our Operator Licence Application Form
- Make a Payment Online
- Provide a DBS for each person (Director, Company Secretary etc) that does not hold a Wealden Dual Driver Licence.
- From 4th April 2022 private hire operator renewals will also need to perform a tax check. Our tax conditionality for dual driver and private hire operators page has further information about this
If you hold a Wealden Dual Driver Licence you will not need to provide a DBS for the renewal.
You are reminded that it is your responsibility, not the Council’s, to renew your Licence and if you fail to do so before its expiry then you will not be permitted to make provision for the invitation or the acceptance of bookings until the licence has been renewed.