Cornwall taxi and private-hire licensing

RESEARCHED AUTHORITY

Cornwall

Cornwall Council · Sources checked 13 September 2026

Driver licensing

Official route/source found

Dual application needs DVLA/work evidence, tax declaration/code on renewals, medical, photograph and enhanced DBS with both barred lists. Ongoing Update Service and six-month checks. Authorization after complete evidence up to ten working days; badge must be received before driving.

• Dual driver process

Vehicle licensing

Official route/source found

Six HC licensing/fare zones; former caps in Carrick/Restormel/Penwith removed17Jan2023. Approved-garage testing and MOT/V5/insurance evidence required. PH vehicles not zone-restricted. Full specifications in separate policy.

• Vehicle and fees

Operator licensing

Official route/source found

Operator licence up tofive years; application with basic DBS underone month unless licensed driver, public liability if booking office, and fee. Each applicant/director/partner checked. Planning permission separate.

• Operator

Licensing fees

Official route/source found

2026/27 driver1/2/3yr£240/£295/£390; standard annual vehicle£345; operator1/3/5yr£185/£320/£520; enhancedDBSfrom£70. Vehicle temporaryuptotwo months£135.

• Vehicle and fees

Taxi tariff

Official route/source found

Six different zonal cards remain linked; no single Cornwall fare. Restormel effective22July2026 firsthalf-mile£4.20/£5.70/£7.20 then30p/38p/50p per tenth-mile. Other zones have distinct steps and passenger bands; numeric evidence held for adapter/visual review.

• Vehicle and fees
• North Cornwall current linked card
• Caradon current linked card

Mandatory qualifications

Official route/source found

English ability evidence and safeguarding training/video date required in application; full driver policy requirements not yet exhaustively extracted.

• Dual driver process