Mid Suffolk taxi and private-hire licensing

RESEARCHED AUTHORITY

Mid Suffolk

Mid Suffolk Council · Sources checked 13 September 2026

Driver licensing

Official route/source found

The joint 2024–2029 policy took effect 1 October 2024. Complete the checks before applying online: enhanced barred-list DBS and Update registration, approved driving assessment, English, professional training and Group 2 medical.

Vehicle licensing

Official route/source found

PH new,renewal,replacement and transfer applications follow the same process and are not number-limited. Supply V5,insurance,MOT,radio-equipment licence where relevant and Basic disclosure unless already a licensed driver/operator. The council checks vehicle tax. A nominated garage must test the vehicle before grant. Request forms from licensing@babergh.gov.uk stating identity/contact details and the PH/taxi business you will work for. Executive/corporate plate exemptions are written applications considered individually; exempt vehicles must still carry the plate.

• Current vehicle application

Operator licensing

Official route/source found

Policy effective 1 October 2024 requires non-driver operators to provide Basic DBS and a statutory declaration, then annual Basic DBS; each director/partner is covered. Overseas stays of three continuous months trigger overseas criminal-record evidence or embassy good-character evidence, with approved translation. Existing driver checks provide the stated exemption. New applicants must pass approved safeguarding before grant, with five-year refreshers. Operators must meet tax conditionality. All three licences must share an authority, while lawful subcontracting to another licensed operator is allowed; the original operator remains responsible.

• Adopted version1.5 policy effective1October2024

Licensing fees

Official route/source found

The council English test costs £47. Driving assessment and professional course payments are separate and made to providers.

Taxi tariff

Official route/source found

Current-linked card effective August 2023: first mile £5.50 daytime 07:00–22:00, £7 night/bank holidays including Easter Sunday, £12 festive. Subsequent 176-yard units cost 20p/30p/40p; corresponding time units 60/50/40 seconds. Festive spans December 24 18:00–27 07:00 and December 31 18:00–January 2 07:00. More than four passengers pay 1.5 times the rates. Congestion/ULEZ/tolls/parking pass through; minimum soiling £100. No extras for luggage, mobility equipment or assistance dogs. Printed conversion of 176 yards to 169.934 metres is incorrect and must not be used.

• Current taxi hub
• Current-linked card effective August 2023

Mandatory qualifications

Official route/source found

Pass the English test and approved driving assessment and complete the two-day Level 2 Introduction to the Role of a Professional Taxi and Private Hire Driver course.