Runnymede taxi and private-hire licensing

RESEARCHED AUTHORITY

Runnymede

Runnymede Borough Council · Sources checked 13 September 2026

Driver licensing

Official route/source found

Applicants provide an enhanced DBS certificate under three months old and must register with DBS Update. A Group2 medical under three months old must be completed by the applicant's GP or a doctor with full records. Overseas criminal-record evidence is required where applicable.

• Driver application

Vehicle licensing

Official route/source found

Submit the signed form/checklist with comprehensive hire-and-reward insurance covering each licensed driver. Obtain the MOT no more than five days before applying. The page specifies annual MOTs under four years and six-monthly tests over four; brake, tyre, steering or suspension advisories require repair evidence before licensing. After paperwork/payment, the council arranges a compliance inspection. Submit by email or Civic Centre reception. PH plate exemptions are individually assessed, free, and restricted to evidenced exclusive corporate/account work. Eligible accident replacements arranged through the insurer's authorised accident-management company may be temporarily licensed for up to 28 days.

• Current vehicle licensing application guide

Operator licensing

Official route/source found

Applicants must pass the operator knowledge test, obtain Basic DBS (a Runnymede driver Enhanced check can cover both applications), attend taxi safeguarding/child-exploitation awareness training and complete disability-awareness training. Submit the application with original DBS, test-pass letter, right-to-work evidence and both training certificates; the fee is required before the application is valid. The council accepts posted or reception-delivered applications and directs applicants to its 2025–2030 policy for full conditions. Its ten-working-day decision target is an aim, not guaranteed approval.

• Current operator application requirements

Licensing fees

Official evidence found; detail still to confirm

Effective 1 April 2026: HC vehicle £277, PH £242. Combined/PH drivers new £594 three years or £305 one year; renewal £510/£219. Operator fleet bands 1, 2–5, 6–20, 21–40, 41–60, 61–80 and 81–100 vehicles: five-year fees £782/£790/£823/£866/£909/£952/£996; one-year £248/£257/£289/£332/£376/£419/£462. Knowledge HC £73, PH/operator £64; DBS £78. The sheet lists a vehicle transfer at £83 but also says vehicle changes attract the vehicle licence rate; confirm applicability. No credit for surrendered unexpired driver/vehicle licences.

• Taxi licensing fees effective 1 April 2026

Taxi tariff

Official evidence found; detail still to confirm

Current HTML states day06:00–22:00 first mile £5, then20p/started97.5 metres through two miles, thereafter20p/115 metres; waiting20p/35.3 seconds. Sunday/late-evening band first mile£6.25, night/bank-holiday£7.50, Christmas/Boxing/New Year's Day£10. Night units65 metres through two miles then76.6 metres, waiting20p/23.5 seconds; double-time units97.5/115 metres at40p and waiting40p/35.3 seconds. Supplementary passenger beyond two, luggage outside passenger compartment and animal charges30p each; assistance dogs free; soiling£100. Rate is fixed when hired and must not change mid-journey; out-of-borough agreed prices require advance agreement.

• Current official fare table

Mandatory qualifications

Official route/source found

The council knowledge test covers local geography and licensing rules. New applicants must attend a taxi-specific virtual-classroom safeguarding course. The application page links the2025–2030 policy.

• Driver application