North Hertfordshire taxi and private-hire licensing

RESEARCHED AUTHORITY

North Hertfordshire

North Hertfordshire Council · Sources checked 13 September 2026

Driver licensing

Official route/source found

Guidance updated 13 August 2026 requires a new-driver appointment before application, including verbal test, right-to-work and DBS checks. Pay within 24 hours of booking. Then submit application, medical, photographs, DBS declaration and training evidence; licences normally last three years.

• New drivers

Vehicle licensing

Official route/source found

Vehicles must meet Euro 6, be insured and roadworthy and have applicable MOT and council compliance tests no older than two calendar months at commencement. Taxi meters must support the approved calendar fare scale. Vehicle licences last up to 12 months.

• Vehicles

Operator licensing

Official route/source found

The current page, updated 11 March 2026, provides operator licences for up to five years. Applicants submit the form by email or post and pay online for the five-year period. The booking-taking base must physically be within North Hertfordshire and is inspected by a council officer after application; virtual bases are not ordinarily licensed. Basic DBS is required unless the applicant is an existing North Herts licensed driver. Applicants must read the immigration-check guidance and keep booking records. Licence issue follows the completed paperwork and base inspection.

• Operator application requirements

Licensing fees

Official evidence found; detail still to confirm

The council fee hub still links its 2025–26 schedule, effective 12 May 2025: driver one/three years £164/£294; five-year operator £593.75. Vehicle annual/six-month fees £205.75/£144.25, electric £103/£72, hybrid £137.25/£96. Computer knowledge test £58.75, new-driver appointment including verbal test, enhanced DBS and right-to-work check £121.25; medical and DVLA checks are provider-priced. These are the currently linked published figures, not a verified 2026–27 revision; check current payable amount with licensing.

• Currently linked fees effective 12 May 2025
• Council licensing fee hub

Taxi tariff

Official route/source found

Tariff content checked 23 October 2026. The council explicitly publishes rates from 1 April 2025. Standard tariff 1 is £4 for the first 1,000 yards or part, then 10p per further 60 yards or part, or per 20 seconds or part waiting. Night 00:00–06:00, Sundays and bank holidays use £6 then 15p; Christmas Day is double tariff 1. The council states that larger licensed vehicles cannot charge extra for passenger numbers. Existing calculator scope and boundary exclusions remain.

• Adopted/current council fare evidence

Mandatory qualifications

Official route/source found

A verbal assessment and safeguarding-awareness course are required. The safeguarding presentation/questionnaire must be completed and returned to licensing.

• New drivers