RESEARCHED AUTHORITY
Hinckley and Bosworth
Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council · Sources checked 10 September 2026
- Driver licensing
- Official route/source found
Apply online for a hackney-carriage or private-hire driver licence, or request a paper pack, then book an appointment to present the original documents at Hinckley Hub. Applicants need a full driving licence held for at least one year, a DVLA check code, Group 2 medical, driving-assessment pass, photographs and DBS information. After submission, book and pass the council's three-part knowledge test. Licences normally run for three years.
- Vehicle licensing
- Official route/source found
A council-licensed driver can apply online for a hackney-carriage or private-hire vehicle licence, or request a paper form. Present valid hire insurance, the V5C or proof of ownership, a valid MOT and payment at the council appointment. A newly licensed vehicle must be under six years old and satisfy the council's emissions or accessibility rules. Vehicle licences normally last one year and cannot be dual-plated with another authority.
- Operator licensing
- Official route/source found
A private-hire operator licence is needed to accept bookings. Apply through the council's online route or request a form. The licence runs for five years. Applicants who do not already hold the council's driver licence need the specified enhanced DBS check; public-liability insurance is required where customers can enter or wait at the premises. Planning permission may also be required for a booking office.
- Licensing fees
- Official route/source found
The council's 2026/27 schedule is operative from 1 April 2026. It lists a three-year driver licence at £187.85, plus £53.80 for the council-arranged enhanced DBS, making £241.65. A hackney-carriage or private-hire vehicle licence is £182.15. A five-year private-hire operator licence is £264.70, with a further £53.80 DBS charge where the applicant does not hold the council's current driver badge.
- Taxi tariff
- Official route/source found
The council's current fare page, updated 15 May 2026, says this tariff took effect on 11 October 2024. Tariff 1 starts at £3.40 and then rises by 30p for each additional 176 yards; the first mile is shown as £4.90. Tariff 2 starts at £5.10 and rises by 45p per 176 yards for the stated night and holiday periods. Tariff 3 starts at £6.80 and rises by 60p per 176 yards on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.
- Mandatory qualifications
- Official route/source found
Before applying, drivers must pass the specified BLT driving assessment and obtain a Group 2 medical including an optician's eye test. The council then requires its enhanced DBS process, DBS Update Service registration, original driving and identity evidence, and a three-part knowledge test covering numeracy, the Highway Code and route description. The compulsory BLT safeguarding e-learning course must be passed within three months after the licence is granted.
Withheld or still needing confirmation
- The current council fare page publishes the principal distance rates and operative date but directs passengers to the in-vehicle fare card for all details; unlisted extra charges are not inferred.
- Third-party driving-assessment, medical and annual DBS Update Service costs sit outside the council's 2026/27 licence-fee schedule and may change independently.