Revised 24th October 2016
“I WANT TO BE
A TAXI DRIVER”
‘HOME STUDY PACK’
This pack contains everything that you need to know about the
Application Process, the prerequisite assessments you will have to
undertake before submitting your application and information about the
Knowledge Test all applicants must pass.
The pack is periodically reviewed and the contents may be amended to
reflect any changes in legislation, the application process or licence
conditions. Please check with a member of the Licensing Service to
ensure that you are in possession of the most up to date Study Pack.
PLEASE NOTE THAT WHEN YOUR DBS DISCLOSURE CERTIFICATE IS
SENT TO YOU, YOU ONLY HAVE 3 MONTHS FROM THE ISSUE DATE OF
THE CERTIFICATE IN WHICH TO SIT THE LOCAL KNOWLEDGE TEST. IF
YOU DO NOT SIT THE KNOWLEDGE TEST WITHIN THIS PERIOD, YOU
WILL NEED TO SUBMIT ANOTHER DBS DISCLOSURE APPLICATION.
CONTENTS
Page(s)
Introduction – The difference between Hackney Carriage and Private Hire
3
The expected conduct of a licensed driver
4
The application process and Guidance Notes
5–8
Format of the Knowledge Test
9- 10
Examples of Knowledge Test questions
11 – 13
Premises / locations you will need to know for the Knowledge Test
14
Frequently asked questions about the application process
15
Conditions relating to a Private Hire Driver Licence
16 - 18
Conditions relating to a Private Hire Vehicle Licence
19 -21
Regulations and Byelaws relating to a Hackney Carriage Driver Licence
22 - 24
Conditions relating to a Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licence
25 - 27
2
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this booklet is to explain the difference between how a Taxi and a Private Hire
Vehicle operate and what is required to become a licensed driver for each licence. You will
discover that it involves more than simply being able to drive a car. For example, a licensed
driver is expected to be a safe and confident driver and to have good communication skills in
order to understand the instructions of their customers. You must therefore have a good
command of the English language, both spoken and written.
We have found that many people who tell us that they want to be a taxi driver don’t actually
know what the legal definition of a taxi is. It is not uncommon for members of the public to
refer to any vehicle which can be hired with the provision of a driver to take them from one
place to another as a taxi. However, this is not the case because a Private Hire Vehicle can
also be hired with the provision of a driver. It is therefore very important that anyone
considering becoming a ‘taxi driver’ to be fully aware of the difference between how both
types of vehicle operate before deciding what type of licence to apply for.
A ‘taxi’ is also referred to in law as a Hackney Carriage or a Public Hire Vehicle. Taxis are
licensed by the Local Authority and can seat up to 8 passengers. Unlike Private Hire Vehicles
they have a ‘Taxi’ roof sign and do not have to be booked through an Operator. They can ply
for hire from designated taxi stands within the borough or on a street and can be hailed
(flagged down) by customers. All taxis must be fitted with a fare meter which is checked and
sealed by the Council which also approves the rate of fare which they can charge. All Hackney
Carriages licensed by Bury Metropolitan Borough Council are wheelchair accessible. Only the
holder of a Hackney Carriage Driver licence can drive a licensed Hackney Carriage.
A ‘Private Hire Vehicle’ can also seat up to 8 passengers (excluding the driver) and must have
more than two passenger doors. Unlike Hackney Carriages they are not allowed to have a
‘taxi’ roof sign nor can they use the word taxi or cab on any of the vehicle signage. It is
illegal for a Private Hire vehicle to ply for hire or to wait on a Hackney Carriage stand. A
Private Hire vehicle must be booked via a Private Hire Operator otherwise their motor
insurance may become void. In addition to the licence plates, the vehicle has to display the
name of the firm on both front passenger doors, on the windscreen and rear window and
Council issued notices on the two rear passengers doors and on the inside of the front
passenger and rear passenger windows. Only the holder of a Private Hire driver licence can
drive a licensed Private Hire vehicle.
Once licensed, the vehicle must display the licence
plates at all times. The wife of a private hire vehicle owner cannot drive the licensed vehicle
(even though the insurance may state that it is covered for both spouses) unless she also
holds a Private Hire driver licence.
3
EXPECTED CONDUCT OF A LICENSED DRIVER
Licensed Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Drivers can often find themselves conveying
young children to school etc or lone vulnerable adults and persons under the influence of
alcohol. You are expected to maintain the highest professional and moral standards at all
times. In particular, when driving a licensed Hackney Carriage /Private Hire Vehicle you
MUST NOT engage with your customer(s) in ‘inappropriate conversation’. If a passenger
complains that you have done so, it could well result in your Hackney Carriage/Private Hire
Driver licence being revoked by the Council ‘With Immediate Effect’. The following are
examples of what is considered to be inappropriate conversations / conduct.
a. A driver asking a passenger if he/she is in a relationship or single or if he/she has a
partner.
b.
A driver complimenting a passenger about his/her physical appearance.
c. A driver engaging in a conversation with a passenger about sex, their sexual
orientation, their sexual experiences or personal relationships.
d.
A driver asking a passenger for their telephone number for personal use or a driver
who offers to provide a passenger with his/her personal phone number.
e. A driver, whilst on duty, offering to meet a passenger at a later date/time for social
purposes
f.
Under no circumstances should a driver deliberately touch or kiss a passenger.
g. A passenger who wishes to sit in the rear of your vehicle should not be invited by you
to sit beside you in the front of the vehicle.
4
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
The process for obtaining a Private Hire or a Hackney Carriage Driver licence is as follows:
New Applicants:
a) Before submitting your application, if you cannot produce documentary evidence
(e.g. a pass certificate) that you have attained at least GCSE or Functional Skills level 1
or 2 in English or a recognised ESOL certificate at Level 1 or 2, plus a GCSE or
Functional Skills Level 1 or 2 in maths, you will have to undergo and pass a
Communication Skills & Numeracy assessment at Bury Adult Learning Centre, 18
Haymarket Street, Bury, BL9 0AQ. To make an appointment, telephone the centre on
0161 2535772 The assessment/test will consist of the following:
i
ii
iii
iv
v
Spoken English (interview)
Listening comprehension (interview)
Reading (written assessment)
Writing (written assessment)
Numeracy (written assessment)
b) Before submitting your application, you must also undertake and pass a practical
driving assessment for taxi drivers undertaken with an organisation/company approved
by Bury Council. These companies can be found on the council web site at
www.bury.gov.uk under the heading of ‘Business’. Click on ‘Licences and permits’ then
click on ‘Taxi licences’ then click on ‘Taxi driver’s licence’. Then scroll down to
“Evidence of your safe driving skills”.
The next step is for you to visit Bury Council Licensing Service and collect an application form
for the Driver Licence you are applying for and the DBS Disclosure Application Form. Once
you have fully and carefully completed both forms, you can contact Bury Council Licensing
Service on 0161 253 5208 and make an appointment to submit your application. If you
receive an automated response, please leave a message as this number is monitored and a
member of staff will call you back within 3 working days. When you attend the appointment
you must bring the completed Application Form (if not already submitted online) and
the completed DBS Form with you. See the below guidance on how to apply and what
other documents you need to bring with you:
GUIDANCE NOTES:
1.0
Application Form
1.1
1.2
2.0
All pages of the application form must be completed in black ink, leaving no
questions unanswered.
It is your responsibility to complete the form accurately and in full. Individuals
who fail to declare ALL convictions, fines or cautions, to include motoring
convictions and endorsements on their driving licence will have their application
referred to the Council’s Licensing and Safety Panel.
Fee
2.1
The preferred option is for you to pay by bank debit card as this reduces the cost
of processing your payment. Alternatively you can pay by cheque or by credit
card or cash at the main counter in Bury Town Hall when you submit your
completed application (do not send cash through the post). Cheques should be
made payable to BURY COUNCIL.
5
3.0
Driver Licence
3.1
3.2
3.3
4.0
You must produce with your application a valid DVLA (UK) Driver Licence.
You must complete and sign the DVLA mandate attached to the application form
so as to enable the Licensing Service to undertake checks to see if you have any
relevant motoring convictions/ endorsements on your DVLA licence.
The Council may make further enquires and share your information with other
organisations when determining the ‘fit and proper’ status of any applicant.
Medical Fitness
4.1
4.2
The Council has adopted a national standard for medical fitness; the DVLA Group
2 Medical Standard is applied to all Private Hire /Hackney Carriage drivers.
The DVLA ‘Assessing Fitness to Drive – A Guide for Medical Professionals’
confirms this standard and a copy is available to view at
www.gov.uk/government/publications/at-a-glance
New Applicants:
4.3
All new applicants will be required to produce a ‘Certificate of Medical Fitness. A
blank copy of the ‘Certificate of Medical Fitness’ can be downloaded from the
Council’s web site at: http://www.bury.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=10997. This
Certificate must be completed and signed by the doctor you have been
registered with for the last 12 months. However, you do not have to produce
this certificate until such time that you have sat and passed the Council’s
Knowledge Test (see note 7 below).
Renewal of licence only:
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.8
5.0
If you are aged 45 or become 45 before the expiry of your renewed licence, you
need to provide a ‘Certificate of Medical Fitness’ with the renewal application.
A copy of the ‘Certificate of Medical Fitness’ will be included with your renewal
application, but is also available on the Councils Website on the ‘download tab’
at http://www.bury.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=10997
A ‘Certificate of Medical Fitness’ is required every five years following your 45th
birthday and again on attaining the age of 50, 55 and 60.
At aged 65 an annual ‘Certificate of Medical Fitness’ must be produced.
The Council may make further enquires and share your information with other
organisations when determining the ‘fit and proper’ status of any applicant.
Disclosure & Barring Service ‘Enhanced Disclosure Certificate’ (DBS/CRB)
New applicant only:
5.1
5.2
All applicants are required to submit a ‘DBS – Enhanced Disclosure Certificate’.
This certificate is only valid if produced by the DBS within the previous 3
months. Please call the Licensing Service on 0161-253 5208 to arrange an
appointment to submit your DBS application which will need to be signed by a
Licensing Officer.
As part of the DBS application process, you are required to list on the application
form all the addresses you have lived at over the past 5 years. If you have not
resided in the UK for the last 5 full years, you MUST produce a ‘Certificate of
Good Conduct’ from the foreign police force of the country/area where you
resided during this period. If you are not a British National your national
Embassy will be able to advise you how to obtain this certificate.
6
5.3
In order to facilitate the future speedy renewal of any licence granted to you,
you will be required to subscribe to the DBS Update Service and pay the annual
fee (currently £13), by direct debit to the DBS. The DBS may contact you every
year to inform you when they will be taking the fee from your account. Signing
up to the update service will not only save you money in relation to future DBS
checks which we require every 3 years but it will enable the Licensing Service to
carry out these checks online without you having to make an appointment to
attend the Licensing Service in order to complete any forms. However, if the
online check reveals any changes since your previous certificate was issued,
then you will have to submit yourself to a full DBS Enhanced Disclosure
application and pay the requisite fee. It means that we have an ability of
carrying out a DBS check free of charge whenever we (the Authority) need to
during the validity of a licence. It also avoids the repeated situations of a driver
being unable to work just because he has not applied for his DBS 2 months
before his licence expires.
Renewal of licence only:
5.4
5.5
If you have signed up to the DBS Update Service and have paid the annual fee,
the Licensing Service will carry out an online DBS check prior to your current
licence expiring. If the check reveals no changes since your last Disclosure
Certificate was produced, then we will be able to renew your licence subject to
all other application requirements being met (e.g. production of medical
certificate where applicable etc).
It is therefore important that you notify the Licensing Service if during the period
of your licence you are convicted of any offence, caution or fine or if your DVLA
licence is endorsed. It will mean that the matter can be dealt with during the
validity of your current licence. If you fail to do this and the online DBS check
reveals that there has been a change since your previous Disclosure Certificate
was produced, we will not be able to renew your licence until such time
that you are able to produce a new and satisfactory DBS Enhanced
Disclosure Certificate
All applicants:
5.6
5.7
5.8
5.9
5.10
Directions for completing the DBS application form is contained on the form.
Sections A, B, C, D and E should be completed and sections W, X, Y and Z left
unanswered.
Forms are available from the Licensing Service based in the main reception area
of Bury Town Hall, Knowsley Street, Bury, BL9 0SW. They can be collected on a
Mon – Fri between 09.30 - 10.30 or between 15.00 – 16.00hrs. .
The current DBS fee is £56.00.
At your DBS appointment you need to produce the following up-to-date
documents with your DBS application form:
I.
II.
III.
5.11
5.12
DVLA driver licence
Proof of your national Insurance number
Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement dated less than 3 months
old)
IV.
If you hold a valid passport you must produce it.
At least one of the above documents must show your current address and a
further document must show your date of birth.
The Council may make further enquires and share your information with other
organisations when determining the ‘fit and proper’ status of any applicant.
7
6.0
Passport, Visa and Right to Work
6.1
6.2
6.3
7.0
If you do not hold a UK or EU passport/national identity card, or a UK birth
certificate, you must provide your current valid passport from your country of
origin and proof that you have the right to work and remain in the UK.
It is for you to prove you have the right to work and remain in the UK. Failure to
provide sufficient evidence will delay your application being processed.
The Council may make further enquires with other organisations and share your
information when determining the right to work and remain in the UK.
Bury Council’s Knowledge Test
7.1
Upon receipt of your DBS Disclosure Certificate which will be sent by the DBS
direct to your home address, you must produce it to a member of staff at Bury
Council’s Licensing Service in the main reception at Bury Town Hall. You can do
this Monday to Friday between 09.30-10.30 or between 15.00 – 16.00hrs. You
do not have to make an appointment to do this. If the Disclosure Certificate does
not reveal and convictions, fines or cautions referred to in the Council’s
Convictions Policy and Guidelines, the member of staff will be able to make an
appointment for you to sit the Knowledge Test. This is held at Bury Town Hall
every second Wednesday at 13.00hrs. This will test your knowledge of the
shortest routes between locations within the Bury area and to a number of
important locations close to Bury. You will also be asked questions on the
conditions which will be attached to the licence you are applying for. A copy of
the Council’s Convictions Policy and Guidelines, can be downloaded on the
Council’s web site at http://www.bury.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=10997
8
HACKNEY / PRIVATE HIRE DRIVER KNOWLEDGE TEST FORMAT.
Venue:
Time:
Intro:
Report to the Licensing Reception, Town Hall, Knowsley Street, Bury.
Please confirm with the Licensing Office when you book your test.
An officer will go through the test papers with the applicants and will give
examples on how the questions should be answered.
Time allotted:
15 minutes
Format:
The test will comprise four separate question papers as follows:
Paper A:
Comprises 3 questions to demonstrate the ability to use an A-Z. The applicant
has to find 3 given roads/streets in the ‘Bury Official Street Plan’, state the page
number the location(s) appear on and the name of a street which forms a
junction with that street.
Time for test:
up to
10 minutes
(Note this paper will not form part of the scored test)
Paper B:
Paper C:
Comprises 15 questions each worth 1 mark. The applicant is given the name of
15 premises within the Borough (e.g. pubs / clubs / schools / medical centres /
supermarkets etc and has to know the name of the road / street they appear on.
Time for test: up to
10 minutes
Pass mark:
12 marks (80%)
Comprises 10 questions. They could be based on statements which are either
True or False or could be questions with multi choice answers of which only one
answer is correct. The questions will be based on the terms and Conditions of
the Hackney Carriage Vehicle and Driver Conditions and Byelaws or the Private
Hire Drivers and Vehicle Conditions depending on what licence the applicant is
applying for.
NOTE: If a licensed Private Hire Driver subsequently decided to apply for a
Hackney Licence they would have to sit and pass paper C based on the
Conditions attached to a Hackney Licence.
Time for test:
Pass mark:
Paper D:
up to
20 minutes
8 marks (80%)
Comprises 10 questions each worth 1 mark. Without the use of an A-Z the
applicant is required to know the names of the roads / streets they would take
as the shortest route between two given locations. If you are asked a question
concerning a destination outside the borough such as Manchester Airport, the
start point for such out of the borough destination will always be from ‘the
roundabout at junction 17 of the M60 motorway access / exit on Bury New
Road’.
Time for test:
up to
50 minutes
9
Pass mark:
8 marks (80%)
Test Result: We will contact all applicants by telephone to inform them of the test result
within 7 days of the test.
In addition to the above, before a drivers licence is issued to an applicant for a
Hackney Carriage Drivers licence who has passed the above Knowledge Test,
they have to demonstrate how to safely load and properly secure a wheel chair
into a Hackney Carriage vehicle with the use of the wheelchair ramps etc. This
demonstration will normally take place at 4pm on a Wednesday afternoon
(unless otherwise arranged with the Licensing Staff) on the Knowsley Street Car
Park. It will be up to the applicant to arrange the provision of a Hackney
Carriage for this purpose.
10
EXAMPLES OF TAXI / PRIVATE HIRE KNOWLEDGE TEST QUESTIONS
Paper A
With the use of the ‘Bury Official Street Plan’ locate the under-mentioned 3 locations and
a.
b.
Give the page number each location appears on and
Give the name of a road / street which forms a junction with that
location.
Ser
LOCATE
PAGE NUMBER
STREET FORMING A JUNCTION
1
2
3
Buckingham Avenue
Rufford Drive
Linton Avenue
28
Lancaster Avenue
Paper B
Write down the names of the road / street the following premises are located on:
Premises:
Location:
The Hare & Hounds, Holcombe Brook
The Wellington Hotel
The Sparking Clog
Bury Town Hall
Bolton Road West
Paper C
Decide if the following statements are either true or false and place an ‘X’ in either the
TRUE or FALSE box to the right of each statement.
1
Private Hire Vehicles can wait on a Hackney Carriage
Stand only if they are waiting on their booked
passengers
2
A Private Hire Vehicle can pick up passengers who
have not booked through an operator provided the
driver radio’s the job to his / her operator before
driving off
3
A Private Hire Vehicle can refuse to pick up a guide
dog if he driver does not like dogs
4
A licensed driver must inform the Council within 21
days if he / she is formally cautioned for an offence
or convicted of an offence
5.
A passenger can only smoke in your car with your
permission
If a Private Hire Vehicle is licensed to carry 4 persons
the driver can pick up 4 adults and a 2 year old child
provided that the child travels in the rear of the
vehicle
6.
11
TRUE
FALSE
For the following questions place an X against the correct answer:
7.
8.
The signs on a private hire vehicle can
only be removed?
If your vehicle sustains damage
affecting the safety, performance or
appearance, you must inform the
Council within how many days?
a. Whenever you finish working.
b. When you take your wife shopping
in the licensed vehicle.
c. You should not remove the signs.
They have to be displayed on the
vehicle at all times.
a. 3 days
b. 7 days
c. 14 days
d. 21 days
Paper D
Write down the directions including the names of all the roads / streets / motorway
numbers you would have to drive along if you were to take the shortest routes between
the following points:
From:
To:
Bury Town Hall, Knowsley Street
Bolholt Hotel
Answer: Left from Knowsley St. onto Jubilee Way, straight on at 1st lights, bear left at 2nd
lights onto Bolton St. Bear right at next lights onto Croston Rd, Left onto
Walshaw Road – Bolholt about ½ mile up on the right.
From:
To:
Bury Golf Club
Castlebrook High School
Answer:
From:
To:
Castlebrook High School
Heaton Park Metrolink Station
Answer:
From:
To:
The Old Mill, Ramsbottom
The Shoulder of Mutton
Answer:
12
From:
To:
Tesco Store, Prestwich
Manchester Airport (via the motorway)
Answer:
13
KNOWLEDGE TEST DESTINATIONS
The Knowledge test questions will be based on the following premises / locations:
TRANSPORT
SCHOOLS
Manchester Airport
Liverpool Airport
Piccadilly Rail Station, Manchester
Victoria Rail Station, Manchester
East Lancs Rail Station, Bolton Street, Bury
Castlebrook
Unsworth
High
School,
Parr
Lane,
PUBS/HOTELS/CLUBS/LEISURE
Ainsworth Arms, Bury/Bolton Road
Black Bull, Ainsworth Road, Bury
Bolholt Hotel, Walshaw Road, Bury
Besses, Bury Old Road, Whitefield
Toby Carvery, Brandlesholme Rd,
Bury Interchange, Haymarket Street, Bury
Bury Golf Club, Manchester Road,
Heaton Park, Whittaker Lane, Prestwich
Castle Leisure Centre, Bolton Street, Bury
Prestwich, Rectory Lane
Duke William, Well Street, Ainsworth
Radcliffe, Spring Lane
Dungeon, Turton Road, Tottington
Whitefield, Bury New Road
Hare & Hounds, Bolton Road West,
Hare & Hounds, Outwood Road, Radcliffe
HOSPITALS AND CLINICS
Morning Star Inn, Thomas Street, Radcliffe
Old Mill, Springwood Street, Ramsbottom
Bury Hospice, Rochdale Old Road, Bury
Shoulder of Mutton, Lumb Carr Road,
Fairfield Hospital, Rochdale Old Road, Bury
Holcombe
Uplands Health Centre, Bury New Road,
Sparking Clog, Radcliffe Moor Road,
Prestwich Hospital
Radcliffe
Health Centre, Carr Street, Ramsbottom
T.G.I. Friday, Bury New Road, Prestwich
Elms Medical Centre, Green Lane,Whitefield
Fairways Lodge, George Street, Prestwich
Medical Centre, Market Street, Tottington
Wellington Hotel, Bolton Road, Bury
Christies
Hospital,
Wilmslow
Road, Red Hall Hotel, Manchester Road,
Manchester
Walmersley, BL9 5NA
Manchester Royal Infirmary
Manchester Eye Hospital, Oxford Road, Mcr
OTHER DESTINATIONS
North Manchester General Hospital, Crumpsall
Bury Town Hall, Knowsley Street, Bury
Council Offices, Whittaker Street, Radcliffe
SUPERMARKETS / STORES
Magistrates Court, Tenters Street, Bury
ASDA - Spring Street, Bury
Taxi Test Centre, Bradley Fold Road, Bury
ASDA – Pilkington Way, Radcliffe
The Elizabethan Suite, Town Hall, Bury
ASDA – Park 66, Pilsworth
Longfield Suite, Longfield Centre, Prestwich
ALDI Bell Lane, Bury
The Mosses Centre, Cecil Street, Bury
ALDI Higher Lane, Whitefield
The Cemetery, Cemetery Road, Radcliffe
TESCO - Peel Way, Bury
The Trafford Centre, J10, M60
TESCO - Bury New Road, Prestwich
MEN Arena, Trinity Way, Manchester
Marks & Spencer, The Rock, Bury
Print Works, Withy Grove, Manchester
Marks & Spencer, Bury New Road, Prestwich
Lowry Centre, Salford Quays, Salford
British Home Stores, Union Arcade, Bury
TESCO - Ramsbottom Metro, Ramsbottom
Morrisons, Bury New Road
BUS AND METROLINK STATIONS
14
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q
How long will it take to get licensed?
A
The time that it takes for you to obtain the prerequisite proof of your English
Communication/Numeracy skills and the DVSA Driving Assessment is down to you. You
can then submit your application to Bury Council’s Licensing Service. Your application
for an Enhanced DBS Disclosure is processed by the Disclosure & Barring Service which
is based in Royal Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire. This check is necessary in the interest of
public protection and we cannot process your application further until you can produce
the resultant and satisfactory DBS Disclosure Certificate to us. It can take the DBS
between 4-6 weeks to carry out all of their checks. It can sometimes take longer;
particularly if you do not provide all the information requested on the application form
such as all of your forenames or if you leave gaps in where you have lived over the
previous 5 full years. If the DBS is not happy with the information you have provided,
they will return the application form to us and request us to clarify what you have
declared on the form. The resultant DBS Disclosure Certificate is only sent to the
applicant at their home address. Consequently, as soon as you receive the Certificate,
it is important that you produce it to the Licensing Service as soon as possible so
as not to delay your application further. At the time of producing the Certificate
and
subject
to
it
being
satisfactory,
(i.e.
showing
no
relevant
convictions/cautions/fines) we can make an appointment for you to sit the Knowledge
Test. You should therefore study for your Knowledge Test whilst you DBS is being
processed.
Q
I have been driving since passing my driving test 20 months ago but only applied for
and received my Full UK Driving Licence 6 months ago. Can I apply for a Private Hire
or a Hackney Carriage Driver licence?
A
No. You must have held a Full UK Driving Licence for at least 12 months at the time of
submitting your application. You have only held your Licence for 6 months.
Q
I have points on my driving licence. Will this prevent me from obtaining a taxi licence?
A
Not necessarily. Dependant on the reason why the points were awarded you may have
to appear before the Councils Licensing & Safety Panel for them to consider your
application. For this reason it is very important that applicants declare all convictions,
fines and Simple Cautions including traffic offences.
Q
I am already a licensed Hackney Carriage driver in Bolton but am applying to be a
Hackney Driver in Bury. Can I use the Medical Certificate I presented to Bolton Council?
A
We may accept the original Medical Certificate you have produced to another Licensing
Authority provided the Certificate was based on a ‘Group 2 Medical Examination’ (you
will have to ask your GP this) and the examination took place within the last 12
months.
Q
I have a Private Hire Drivers licence, can I also hold a Hackney Carriage Drivers licence
at the same time?
A
Yes. You will have to pay the licence fee for the Hackney Licence and will have to pass
a short test based on the Conditions attached to a Hackney Carriage Drivers licence.
For further information please contact:
The Licensing Section, 3 Knowsley Place, Duke Street, Bury, BL9 0EJ
Tel: (0161) 253 5208 Email: [email protected]
15
CONDITIONS RELATING TO A PRIVATE HIRE DRIVER
If you intend to apply for a Private Hire Driver Licence you will need to know the
following in order to help you pass the Knowledge Test:
1.
You must behave in the following way
You must:




help passengers with their luggage, as far as is reasonable;
dress in a clean and respectable way;
behave properly and politely; and
take reasonable steps to make sure your passengers are safe when they are
inside the vehicle, and when they are getting in and out of the vehicle.
You must not:





2.
eat or drink in the vehicle, unless you ask and get the permission of your
passengers first;
smoke in the vehicle or allow your passengers to do so
play any radio or sound system, unless you ask the permission of your
passengers first (this does not apply to the radio transmitter you use to do
your job);
annoy anyone, inside or outside the vehicle, with the noise from any radio or
sound system; or
drink alcohol at any time when you are working.
Using your private hire vehicle
You can only use your private hire vehicle for bookings which have been
made beforehand through your operator.
You must not:




3.
pick up any person who has not booked beforehand;
involve yourself in any advance booking of passengers;
act in any way which makes people believe that they can hire the vehicle for
hire to people who have not booked;
or
get someone else to look for business for you.
Passengers
You must not:






carry more passengers than the vehicle licence allows;
carry any child under ten in the front of the vehicle;
carry more than one passenger in the front of the vehicle;
pick up or carry anyone else apart from your hirer, unless your hirer agrees
to this;
allow your passengers to smoke in the vehicle; or
allow your passengers to drink alcohol in the vehicle at any time.
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4.
Lost property
Each time your vehicle has been hired, you must check it carefully for property
which has been left behind. If you find any lost property, or someone hands you
any lost property, you must take it to a local police station as soon as possible. You
must take any lost property to the police within 24 hours of finding it. They will tell
you what to do next.
5.
Written receipts
If your hirer or a passenger asks for a written receipt, you must give them one.
6.
Animals
You must carry guide dogs and hearing dogs if a passenger asks you to. Ask the
passenger where they prefer the dog to sit.
7.
Be on time
You must arrive for bookings:


8.
on time; and
in the right place.
Copy of conditions
You must carry a copy of these conditions and show it to your hirers or any
passenger if they ask to see it.
9.
Licence
You must give your private hire driver’s licence to the proprietor of the vehicle you
drive. You must also give your operator a copy.
10.
Taximeter
If your vehicle has a meter, you must not alter or cancel the meter reading until the
passenger has had a reasonable chance to check it and has paid the fare.
11.
Fares
You must not charge more than the fare that the hirer and the operator have
agreed. If a fare has not been agreed, you must only charge the amount shown on
the meter.
12.
Change of address
You must tell us if you change your address. You must do this in writing within
seven days. Write to the Licensing Unit Manager, 3 Knowsley Place, Duke Street,
Bury, BL9 0EJ.
13.
Convictions
If you are:


formally cautioned for an offence; or
convicted of an offence.
17
You must tell us, in writing, within seven days, Write to the Licensing Unit Manager,
3 Knowsley Place, Duke Street, Bury, BL9 0EJ.
14.
Driver’s identification badge and card
When you get your licence, we will give you a driver identification badge and card.
You must wear your badge all the time you are working. Make sure that your
passengers can see it at all times.
Put your identification card in your windscreen wallet so that passengers inside the
vehicle can clearly see your photograph and identification number.
You must return your badge and card if;



15.
your licence runs out;
we suspend your licence; or
we take your licence away from you.
Vehicle identification plates
You must keep the vehicle’s identification plates clean and make sure they can be
seen at all times.
18
CONDITIONS RELATING TO A PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
If you intend to apply for a Private Hire Driver Licence you will need to know the
following in order to help you pass the Knowledge Test:
Although the following rules / Conditions relates to the holder of a Private Hire Vehicle
Licence,
many drivers are also the owners of the private hire vehicles they drive. Even if they are not,
it falls to the driver of a licensed vehicle to ensure that they are complying with many of
these rules. For example it is up to them to ensure that whilst driving the vehicle it is
mechanically sound and displaying the licence plates, Operator door signs and Council issued
notices etc.
Definitions
Throughout this leaflet the following meanings apply:
1. ‘We’ or ‘us’ means Bury Metropolitan Borough Council.
2. The vehicle means the licensed private hire vehicle you drive.
3. You means the person who owns the vehicle.
4. The vehicle licence means the licence which we give to you.
5. The identification plates are the plates we give to the proprietor to identify a vehicle as
a private hire vehicle.
6. The hirer means the person who hires (books and pays for) the vehicle.
7. The operator means the person who takes bookings for the vehicle
8. The authorised officer means a council official or a police officer.
(For a legal definition of these terms, see the Local Government Miscellaneous Provisions Act
1976. You can get a copy from the Licensing Office, the library or a solicitor.)
1 Identification Plates and Cards and Test Certificates
a. When we issue your identification plates, you must fix them to the front and back of
the vehicle.
b. You must make sure your identification plates can be seen all times.
c. Your identification plates must be fixed to the vehicle securely. You must be able to
remover them if we or the police ask you.
d. You must keep your interim test certificate inside your windscreen wallet so it can be
seen from the outside of the vehicle. You should also put your drivers identification
card inside the windscreen wallet so that people who are in your vehicle can clearly see
your photograph and ID number.
2 Testing
We will test your vehicle up to three times a year.
(Please remember that, by law, we can insist on a test at any time.)
3 Condition Of The Vehicle
a. You must make sure that the vehicle is kept in a good condition. We can inspect and
test the vehicle at any time to make sure it reaches out standards.
b. You must keep the inside and outside of the vehicle clean and safe.
c. You must not alter the private hire vehicle in any way without first checking with us.
d. Inside the vehicle:
 Seats must be properly covered and upholstered;
 Floors must be covered by mats, carpets or other coverings which are clean and in
good condition; and
 Any damage to upholstery or carpets must be professionally repaired.
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4 Fire Extinguisher
You must carry a fire extinguisher which must be fixed so that you can reach it while you are
driving. The fire extinguisher must contain foam or powder. It must be at least 0.9kg and
made to British Standards 5423.
5 Damage To Vehicle
You must tell us if you have an accident or damage your vehicle in any way which affects its:
a.
Safety;
b.
Performance or;
c.
Appearance.
You must do this within 72 hours of the accident. If we think the damage is serious, we will
tell you not to use the vehicle until it has been repaired and we have checked this.
6 Signs
Vehicles must display the following signs:
 The name of the operator’s firm on the front windscreen at the top left-hand side.
 The name of the operator’s firm at the bottom of the back windscreen.
 The name, phone number and logo of the operator’s firm on the two front-door panels.
All signs, including phone numbers and logos, must be between 4cm and 7cm high. New
signs must be checked with our Licensing Officer before you use them.
You must not display a sign or note saying:
 Taxi;
 Cab; or
 For hire
7 Council Notices
You must display any notices we ask you to display. We will tell you where you must display
these notices.
8 Passengers
The driver must not allow the private hire vehicle to carry more than the maximum number
of passengers shown on the licence, regardless of the age of the passengers.
9 Taximeters
You must not alter the tariff without telling us first. If the vehicle is fitted with a taximeter,
we must approve it, and it must:
 Be fitted in line with our instructions;
 Be in working order at all times;
 Show one tariff rate only;
 Not be switched on until the passenger has got into the vehicle;
 Not be tampered with; and
 Not be changed without our permission.
10
Driver Vehicle Licences
You must keep the private hire license of all the drivers of the vehicle. You must show these
to an authorised officer if they ask you to.
You must also give a copy of the licenses to the operator.
20
11
Two-Way Radios
You must make sure that any radio equipment in the vehicle is kept safe and is properly
maintained.
12
Convictions
If you are formally cautioned for an offence or convicted of an offence, you must tell us by
phoning us or by writing within seven days.
13
Insurance
a. Your vehicle licence has been granted subject to you having produced a valid Certificate
of Motor Insurance covering the vehicle for Private Hire Use. The details of that insurance
have been recorded. You are required to keep the vehicle insured for Private Hire Use at
all times during the validity of the licence. If you change insurance company’s, or renew
the insurance, you must immediately produce in person to the Council, your new
Certificate of Motor Insurance for inspection.
b. If for any reason you cancel or fail to renew the vehicle insurance for any period of time,
you must immediately return the vehicle licence plates to the Council. The plates will be
returned to you once you are able to produce to the Council, a valid Certificate of Motor
Insurance for inspection.
14 Cheques
If you pay for a licence by cheque and the cheque bounces, the licence will not be valid.
15
Hiring The Vehicle
A private hire vehicle must not only be used for bookings which have been made
beforehand.
You must not:
 Pick up any person who has not booked beforehand;
 Book the vehicle for any passengers;
 Act in a way which makes people believe that they can hire the vehicle without booking
beforehand;
 Offer any vehicle for hire to people who have not booked; or
 Get someone else to look for business for you.
21
RULES RELATING TO A HACKNEY CARRIAGE DRIVER
If you intend to apply for a Hackney Carriage Driver Licence you will need to know
the following in order to help you pass the Knowledge Test:
1.
Conduct of Driver
The Driver shall:
a) Afford all reasonable assistance with passengers’ luggage.
b) At all times be clean and respectable in his dress and person
and behave in a civil and orderly manner.
c) Take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of passengers
conveyed in, entering or alighting from the vehicle being
driven by him/her.
d) Not without the express consent of the hirer drink or eat in
the vehicle.
e) Not smoke in the vehicle or allow your passengers to do so.
f) Not without the express consent of the hirer play any radio
or sound reproducing instrument or equipment in the
vehicle.
g) At no time cause or permit the noise emitted by an radio or
other previously mentioned equipment in the vehicle which
he/she is driving to be a source of nuisance or annoyance to
any person, whether inside or outside the vehicle.
h) Not at any time consume alcohol whilst in the vehicle.
2.
Passengers
a) The driver shall not convey or permit to be conveyed in the
vehicle a greater number of persons than that prescribed on
the licence for the vehicle.
b) The driver shall not allow there to be conveyed in the front
of a saloon/estate type Vehicle:- any child below the age of
ten years or more than one person above that age.
c) The driver shall not without the consent of the hirer of a
vehicle convey or permit to be conveyed any other person in
that vehicle.
d) The driver shall not permit a passenger to smoke in the
vehicle.
e) The driver shall not permit a passenger to consumer alcohol
in the vehicle at any time.
3.
Lost property
Each time your vehicle has been hired, you must check it carefully
for property which may have been left by a passenger. If you find
any lost property, or someone hands you any lost property, you
must take it to a local police station as soon as possible. You must
take any found/lost property to the police station within 24 hours
of finding it. They will tell you what to do next.
4.
Written receipts
If your hirer or a passenger asks for a written receipt, you must
give them one.
22
5.
Animals
You must carry guide dogs and hearing dogs if a passenger asks
you to. These dogs are trained to sit in the front passenger well of
a vehicle.
6.
Prompt attendance
The driver shall, if aware that the vehicle has been hired to be in
attendance at an appointed time and place, punctually attend at
the appointed time and place for each hiring, unless delayed or
prevented by sufficient cause.
7.
Copy of conditions
You must carry a copy of these conditions and show it to your hirer
or any passenger if they ask to see it.
8.
Deposit of Licence
If the driver is permitted or employed to drive a Hackney Carriage
vehicle of which the proprietor is someone other than him/herself,
he/she shall before commencing to drive that vehicle deposit the
licence with that proprietor for retention by him/her until such time
as the driver ceases to be permitted or employed to drive the
vehicle or any other vehicles of his/hers.
9.
Taximeter
If your vehicle has a meter, you must not alter or cancel the meter
reading until the passenger has had a reasonable chance to check
it and has paid the fare.
10.
Fare to be demanded
The driver shall not demand from any hirer of a Hackney Carriage
a fare in excess of any previously agreed for that hiring. If there
has been no previous agreement as to the fare, the fare shown on
the face of the taximeter can only be charged.
11.
Change of address
You must tell us if you change your address. You must do this in
writing within seven days. Write to the Licensing Unit Manager,
Level 2, 3 Knowsley Place, Duke Street, Bury, BL9 0EJ.
12.
Convictions
If you are:
 formally cautioned for an offence; or
 convicted of an offence;
You must tell us in writing, within seven days. Write to the
Licensing Unit Manager, 3 Knowsley Place, Duke Street, Bury, BL9
0EJ.
23
13.
Driver’s Identification Badge and Card
When you get your licence, we will give you a driver identification
badge and card. You must wear your badge all the time you are
working. Make sure that your passengers can see it at all times.
Put your identification card in your windscreen wallet so that
passengers inside the vehicle can clearly see your photograph and
identification number.
14.
Return of Badge/Windscreen Identification Card
The driver shall upon expiry (without immediate renewal),
revocation or suspension of his/her Hackney Carriage licence
return to the Council the driver’s badge and Windscreen
Identification Card issued to him by the council when granting
his/her licence.
15.
Identification Plates
The Driver shall not conceal the exterior identification plates of the
Hackney Carriage from public view, and will keep the identification
plates in a clean condition.
16.
Taxi Stands
Every driver of a Hackney Carriage shall, when plying for hire in
any street and not actually hired:
a) Proceed with reasonable speed to and station the carriage
on a stand.
b) If a stand at the time of his/her arrival is occupied by the
full member of carriages authorised to occupy it, proceed to
another stand.
c) On arriving at a stand not already occupied by the full
number of carriages authorised to occupy it, station the
carriage immediately behind the carriage(s) on the stand
and so as to face in the same direction.
d) From time to time when any other carriage immediately in
front is driven off or moved forward, cause his/her carriage
to be moved forward so as to fill the place previously
occupied by the carriage driven off or moved forward.
e) Not leave the vehicle parked unattended on any stand.
24
LAWS AND CONDITIONS RELATING TO A HACKNEY CARRIAGE VEHICLE
If you intend to apply for a Hackney Carriage Driver Licence you will need to know
the following in order to help you pass the Knowledge Test:
Definitions
Throughout this leaflet the following meanings apply:
1. “The Council” means the Council of the Metropolitan Borough of Bury.
2. “Authorised Officer” , “The Proprietor”, and “Taximeter” have the same meaning as
in Section 80 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.
3. “Hackney Carriage” has the same meaning as in the Town Police Clauses Act 1847.
4. “Identification Plate” means the plate issued by the Council for identifying the vehicle
as a Hackney Carriage Vehicle.
(These conditions are issued in addition and subject to the Provisions of and the Byelaws
made under the Town Police Clauses Act 1847 and the Local Government (Miscellaneous
Provisions) Act 1976)
4 Identification Plates and Cards and Test Certificates
a. The external identification plates when issued by the Council shall be affixed to the
front and rear of the Hackney Carriage by the proprietor in accordance with the
reasonable instructions of an authorised officer at the cost of the proprietor.
b. The proprietor of the Hackney Carriage shall ensure the identification plates are
maintained and kept in such condition that the information contained on the
identification plates is clearly visible to the public’s view at all times.
c. The identification plates shall be securely fixed to the vehicle in accordance with the
instructions of an authorised officer but in such a manner as to be easily removed by
an authorised officer or constable.
d. The interim test vehicle certificates, when issued by the Council, shall at all times be
kept and maintained inside the vehicle windscreen wallet in such a position that the
details are clearly visible from the exterior of the vehicle. The drivers identification card
issued by the Council shall be placed in the vehicle windscreen wallet with the details
clearly visible from the interior of the vehicle.
2 Testing
The proprietor shall present the Hackney Carriage for testing at such place and time and
at such intervals as the Council may direct provided that without prejudice to the
provisions of Section 68 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 such
occasions shall not exceed two in any period of 12 months.
3 Conditions of Vehicle
a. The proprietor shall ensure that the Hackney Carriage shall be maintained in a sound
mechanical and structural condition at all times and be capable of satisfying the
Council’s mechanical and structural inspection at any time during the continuance of
the licence in respect of the vehicle.
b. The interior and exterior of the Hackney Carriage shall be kept in a clean condition and
maintained in a safe condition by the proprietor.
c. The proprietor shall not allow the mechanical and structural specification of the
Hackney Carriage to be varied without the consent of the Council.
d. The proprietor shall at all times to the satisfaction of an authorised officer:
 Cause the seats in the passenger compartment to be properly cushioned and
covered.
25


Cause the floor in the passenger compartment to be provided with a proper
carpet, mat or other suitable covering.
Cause any rips, tears, burns or damage to the upholstery/carpets to be
professionally repaired.
4 Fire Extinguisher
The proprietor of the Hackney Carriage shall provide and maintain to the satisfaction of
the authorised officer an efficient fire extinguisher containing foam or powder with a
capacity of not less than 0.9kg, and manufactured to BS 5423 or any other form of fire
extinguisher required in writing from time to time by an authorised officer which shall be
carried in such a position as to be easily available for use at all times.
5 Damage to Vehicles
The proprietor shall report any damage materially affecting the safety, performance or
appearance of the Hackney Carriage within 72 hours of its occurrence in accordance with
Section 50(3) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 and until such
damage is repaired to the satisfaction of an authorised officer of the Council, the vehicle
shall not be used for hire.
6 Advertisements
The proprietor shall not cause or permit any sign, notice, name, telephone number or
advertisement to be displayed in, or from the Hackney Carriage, except the word “TAXI”
when it forms part of the design feature of the vehicle, unless authorised by the Council.
7 Council Notices
The proprietor shall cause to be affixed and maintained in a conspicuous position in
accordance with the directions of the Council, any sign or notice required from time to
time by the Council.
8 Passengers
The proprietor shall not permit the Hackney Carriage to be used to carry a greater number
of passengers than the number prescribed on the licence / vehicle identification plates
irrespective of the age of the passengers.
9 Taximeters
a. The proprietor shall cause the Hackney Carriage to be fitted with a taximeter
approved, tested and sealed by the Council before plying for hire and for it to be
located within the vehicle in accordance with the instructions of an authorised
officer.
b. The proprietor shall cause the taximeter to be maintained in a sound condition at all
times.
c. The proprietor shall not permit the taximeter to be fitted with an automatic second
tariff.
d. The proprietor shall ensure that:(i) when the vehicle is for hire the machinery shall be kept inactive and the
taximeter shall show no fare at that time.
(ii) The “FOR HIRE” sign or other illuminated sign is extinguished when the fare
commences and the taximeter is brought into operation.
e. The proprietor shall not permit the taximeter to come into operation until a
passenger has entered the vehicle.
26
f. The proprietor shall ensure that the taximeter and all its fittings are affixed to the
carriage and that seals fitted by the Council are not broken or tampered with.
g. The proprietor shall not replace the taximeter without prior permission of an
authorised officer.
h. The proprietor shall ensure that no other tariff other than those approved by the
Council in writing is to be accessible on the meter.
10 Fare Table
a. The proprietor shall ensure that a copy of the current fare table supplied by the
Council from time to time is clearly exhibited inside the vehicle so it can be easily
read by the passengers.
b. The proprietor shall ensure that the fare table is not concealed from view or
rendered illegible while the vehicle is for hire.
11
Drivers Licence
The proprietor shall retain the Hackney Carriage Licence of all drivers driving his/her
vehicle, and produce the same to an authorised officer or constable on request.
12
Convictions and Cautions
The proprietor of a Hackney Carriage shall, within seven days of conviction or formal
caution, disclose in writing to the Council details of any conviction or formal cautions
imposed on him/her during the currency of his/her licence.
13
Insurance
The proprietor of a Hackney Carriage vehicle shall keep in force in relation to the user of
that vehicle, a Policy of Insurance issued by an approved Insurance Company which shall
comply with the requirements of Part VI of the Road Traffic Act 1971.
a. Your vehicle licence has been granted subject to you having produced a valid
Certificate of Motor Insurance covering the vehicle for Public Hire use. The details of
that insurance have been recorded. You are required to keep the vehicle insured for
public hire use at all times during the validity of the licence. If you change insurance
company’s or renew the insurance, you must immediately produce in person to the
Council, your new Certificate of Motor Insurance for inspection.
b. If for any reason you cancel or fail to renew the vehicle insurance for any period of
time, you must immediately return the vehicle licence plates to the Council. The plates
will be returned to you once you are able to produce to the Council, a valid Certificate
of Motor Insurance for inspection.
14
Cheques
A licence which has been paid for by cheque shall become void should the cheque not be
honoured.
27