Taxis and private hire
Changes to the UK immigration System
The Home Office is replacing physical immigration documents with a digital proof of immigration status called an eVisa.
If you use a physical immigration document such as a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), a Biometric Residence Card (BRC) or legacy paper documents such as a passport containing an ink-stamp or visa vignette sticker, and do not already have a UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) account, you will need to create an account.
Find information on creating an account
If you do not take action to create a UKVI account to access your eVisa you may face unnecessary delays when demonstrating your immigration status.
Once accessed, eVisas can be used to generate a share code to prove immigration status and associated rights such as the right to work using the View and Prove Service.
Find more information, support and guidance on eVisas
Your HMRC Tax Responsibilities
As a new applicant, you should make yourself aware of your responsibilities as a licensed driver in relation to the payment of tax. The Council will be required, on renewal of your licence, to check that you are appropriately registered for tax through a tax check code supplied to you by HMRC. If you cannot supply this, the Council will be unable to renew your licence.
Further information on changes for taxi and private hire licence applications
Hackney carriages (taxis) and private hire vehicles (PHVs) are licensed in a similar way, but are subject to different conditions. They are also, mainly, regulated by different legislation.
We licence vehicles that have up to eight passenger seats. If you would like for a vehicle with more than eight passenger seats to be licensed, you need to apply for a vehicle operator licence with the DVSA.
What are the differences between taxis and PHVs?
| Taxis | PHVs |
|---|---|
| Can use any designated taxi ranks within the district | Cannot use taxi ranks |
| Can be flagged down in the street | Cannot be flagged down in the street |
| Available for ply-for-hire (can transport a passenger, with no prior booking) | Cannot transport a passenger, without the journey having been pre-booked |
| Maroon colour number plates. Often have an illuminated sign on their roof | Blue colour number plates |
| We set the maximum fares that taxis can charge | PHV operators can set their own fares |
Apply for a taxi or private hire licence
If you would like to apply for hackney carriage and private hire driver licence, read this article which will go through the step-by-step application process:
Step 1 – Read the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy
You must read and ensure you fully understand your responsibilities under the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy
If you have any criminal conviction/cautions or motoring offences, email licensingteam@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk with the details before you start the application process to ensure your eligibility under the Council's Policy.
Step 2 – Complete the English Test
You must complete and pass the English test. You will need to contact customers services on 0300 123 4000 (option 7) to make the £47 payment. Please state which authority you are applying for when making payment.
Once paid, you must email the licensing team with proof of payment licensingteam@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk. Upon receipt of payment, a link to the test will be emailed to you.
Step 3 – Complete the hackney carriage and private hire driver assessment
You must pass a driver assessment. Payment will be made directly to the provider.
The following companies provide the training:
Step 4 – Complete an enhanced barred list DBS certificate for other workforce, carriage and private hire driver
Email the licensing team licensingteam@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk with the following details:
- full name
- email address
- details of any criminal convictions/cautions or motoring offences that may affect your eligibility under the policy
If you have the correct DBS certificate from another authority that is less than one month old, this will be accepted.
As part of the Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Policy, once you have received your DBS certificate number, you must sign up to the DBS update service.
Step 5 – Complete the Introduction to the role of a professional taxi and private hire driver.
You must complete the 2-day level 2 training course:
Introduction to the role of a professional taxi and private hire driver
Payment to be made directly to the course provider.
Step 6 – Group 2 Medical
As a driver you will be required to provide the Council with a Group 2 medical to determine whether you are medically fit to hold a licence.
Please click this link: Group 2 medical
The medical can be carried out by:
- Own GP
- D4 Drivers
Step 7 – Complete the application
Once you have completed all the above steps, please click the following link to apply online:
https://licensing.baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk/online-application/
Comment on a taxi driver
If you would like to make a complaint or a compliment about the driver of a taxi or PHV vehicle. we recommend that you first contact the relevant operator or business.
If you are still not happy, you can report it to us. Please email licensingteam@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk or write to us. You will need to include:
- details about the driver and vehicle
- relevant dates and times
- information about any steps you have already tried to take
Complaints about dangerous driving should be reported to the police without delay.
Wheelchair accessible vehicles
We publish and maintain a list of vehicles within the district who can carry passengers travelling in a wheelchair.
Other Wheelchair Accessible transport options
Local community transport services are designed to cater to individuals with limited mobility, providing specially adapted vehicles that ensure comfort and accessibility. These services are essential for attending medical appointments, social engagements, and other important activities, when public transport is not available or accessible. To find out more about the wheelchair accessible community transport options in Mid Suffolk, please see https://www.communitiestogethereastanglia.org/community-transport/
Please refer to our wheelchair accessible vehicles information to learn more.
Driver policy and updates
Our Babergh and Mid Suffolk Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy 2024 to 2029 came into effect on the 1st October 2024. This policy sets out our approach and framework for hackney carriage and private hire licensing, as well as details the conditions we expect licence holders to adhere to.