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Epping Forest District Council
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Licensing

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Taxi licensing

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Licensing Act

Taxi licensing

Taxi licenses are also known as Hackney carriages and private hire driver licence.

Apply for a taxi licence

To apply for a taxi licence contact our licensing team to request an application pack by post.

Renew your taxi driver and vehicle licence

Renew your taxi driver and vehicle licence using our online form.

Hackney carriage licences

A Hackney carriage can ply for hire in the street. They must display Taxi and For Hire signs. They do not need to be pre-booked.

There are 2 types of Hackney carriage licence:

  1. Hackney carriage vehicle licence
    This licence is valid for 12 months. The vehicles must be mechanically examined at our Oakwood Hill MOT test centre prior to the issue of the licence and at times specified in the licence conditions.
  2. Hackney carriage driver’s licence
    Driver licences for Hackney carriage and private hire driver licences are issued for 3 years. Operator licenses are issued for 5 years. A search at the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is also made.

COVID-19 mask advice

The Government has introduced new temporary measures in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) Omicron variant to slow its arrival and spread and to safeguard the NHS – from 9 December 2021.

Passengers

Face coverings are now mandatory in transport hubs and public transport, including taxis and private hire vehicles.

The police, police community support officers, and transport operators can take measures if members of the public do not comply with this law.

Transport operators can deny access to transport hubs or public transport services if a passenger is not wearing a face covering or direct them to wear one or leave.

Repeat offenders receiving fines on public transport, in a transport hub, or in another indoor setting will have their fines doubled for each subsequent offence. After the first offence there will be no discount. For example, receiving a second fine will amount to £400 and a third fine will be £800, up to a maximum value of £6,400.

A taxi driver can refuse to take a fare for many reasons. It would be legitimate for you to refuse to take a fare if the passenger will not wear a mask, under the grounds of public safety for both the driver and the passenger. Some people don’t have to wear a face covering due to health, age or equality reasons.

Drivers

We ask that all EFDC licensed taxi drivers wear a face covering when carrying passengers.

You are entitled to refuse a passenger if they are not wearing a face covering, unless they are exempt or have a reasonable excuse. Passengers do not need to provide evidence that they are exempt.

There are many measures you can take to protect yourself and your passengers:

  • Passengers are asked to sit in the back left hand seat if travelling alone
  • Avoid having passengers sitting in the front seat of the vehicle
  • Passengers are asked to avoid touching surfaces unnecessarily
  • Wipe all contact surfaces after the passenger has vacated the vehicle and before the next one enters
  • Ask passengers to use a face covering and wear one yourself
  • Have a supply of new face coverings to offer passengers that do not have one themselves. A supply of tissues, antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizers are also useful
  • Have signage within the vehicle explaining the safety measures in place
  • Avoid touching other people’s belongings, bags and luggage where you can
  • Ask for contactless card payments rather than cash
  • Opening a window will help air ventilation

Taxi drivers can visit GOV.UK – Taxis and private hire vehicles for further guidance.

Please contact the Licensing Department or visit GOV.UK – Coronavirus (COVID‑19) if you have any further queries.

Guidance to new applicants and existing licence holders

More information

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