Applying for a licence
Applicants must submit the following documents to the licensing department:
- the completed application form
- proof that they have the right to work in the UK
- any Director who is not already a licensed driver must submit a basic DBS certificate every three years
- proof of an appropriate public liability insurance policy (if a public booking office is provided)
- proof of an appropriate employers liability insurance policy (if they employ anyone, in any capacity)
- proof of their right to occupy the premises to be licensed
- completed Safeguarding training course (see below)
- completed Action Counter Terrorism Awareness e learning course (see below)
- the appropriate fee
Apply for a private hire operator licence
We aim to process completed applications that meet all the council's criteria within 10 working days. Applications that fall outside the criteria will be referred to the next available licensing committee for determination.
Mandatory Safeguarding training
All new and renewal applications for private hire operator licences must include a certificate from an approved safeguarding training provider.
Existing licence holders must obtain certification within one year of the policy taking effect on 1st October 2026, or sooner if their licence is due for renewal.
The safeguarding training is delivered as a virtual classroom course and prepares hackney carriage and private hire drivers and operators to safeguard their passengers.
The approved training providers are listed below.
Taxi Plus
Course: Trust2Ride Safeguarding Training sessions
Delivery: Live via Zoom
Course duration: approximately 2 hours 45 mins
Fee: £36 per candidate
https://www.trybooking.com/uk/FSVL
Green Penny
Course: FAA Level 1 Award in Awareness of Safeguarding
Delivery: Live virtual classroom via Zoom
Course duration: Approximately 2 hours 30 mins
Fee: £50 per candidate
Candidates must attend the full course and successfully complete the professional discussion to receive the FAA Level 1 Award in Awareness of Safeguarding.
https://greenpenny.co.uk/product/level1-safeguarding-virtual-classroom/
STC
Course: CPD certified Taxi Safeguarding & Disability Awareness Course
Delivery: Live via Zoom
Course duration: Approximately 3 hours
Fee: £45 per candidate
STC Taxi Safeguarding & Disability Awareness Training – Book Online
Blue Lamp Trust
Course: Virtual Safeguarding Course CPD certified
Delivery: Live virtual classroom via Zoom
Course duration: 2 hours 45 Minutes Fee: £37 per candidate
Virtual Safeguarding Course for Taxi Drivers | BLT Driver Training – CPD Certified
Action Counters Terrorism (ACT) e-Learning
Action Counters Terrorism (ACT) e-Learning is a free, specialised online training program developed by the UK government and counter-terrorism police
The training helps taxi drivers recognise suspicious behaviour and know how to report potential threats safely
Taxi drivers travel across cities, transport diverse passengers, and frequent public hubs, transport nodes, and crowded areas. Police forces view drivers as a vital community network capable of noticing unusual or out-of-place activities that others might miss
The free online training course can be accessed here
ACT Awareness E-Learning | ProtectUK
You should provide a copy of your certificate at application or renewal
Should you have any questions or queries, please contact licensing@wyre.gov.uk.