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title: Becoming a Taxi Driver
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# Becoming a Taxi Driver

## Definition of Taxi Drivers

In this section, the term **“taxi drivers”** refers to both hackney carriage and private hire drivers, and **“passengers”** refers to fare-paying passengers.

If you want to become a taxi driver, first contact your **local licensing authority**. They will advise you about licensing requirements for both you and your vehicle. Regulations vary by area and differ for hackney carriages and private hire vehicles.

## Hackney Carriage vs Private Hire

- **Hackney carriages** can be hailed on the street or can wait for passengers at taxi ranks.
- **Private hire vehicles** must be **pre-booked**—they cannot pick up passengers from the street.

Both vehicle and driver licences must be renewed regularly, and renewal procedures vary by authority.

## Regulation

Although local authority rules differ, you will normally need:

- A **medical check**, including an **eyesight test**
- A **Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)** check
- A **valid driving licence** (penalty points do not automatically disqualify you—check with your authority)
- Payment of a **licensing fee**

Many authorities also require a **driving assessment**. Contact your local authority for exact requirements.

## Medical Requirements

If you have concerns about your health or fitness to drive, speak to your doctor first. You may be refused a licence if you have certain medical conditions—such as epilepsy, diabetes, or poor eyesight. Full medical guidelines appear on form **D4**(available at GOV.UK).

You must submit a medical report to your licensing authority within the timeframe they specify. The examination is **not covered by the NHS**, and you must pay the fee yourself.

For more information, visit **GOV.UK**.

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