91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵ

You must have been issued with a Taxi Operator Licence from the Driver Vehicle Agency (DVA) to run a taxi service. This applies to sole traders, registered companies and partnerships, provided that the business is located in Northern Ireland.

All taxi drivers are required to either:

• work for a licensed taxi operator

There are two types of operator's licence:

• small operator - can only list up to two taxis on the licence
• large operator - can operate any number of taxis as long as these are listed on the licence

A licensed operator will be required to meet a number of conditions in order to retain their licence.

You don't need a taxi operator licence if you provide:

• transport solely for weddings
• courtesy transport as part of another business which is not a taxi business, eg a funeral undertaker

You need a Taxi Operator Licence to run a taxi service in Northern Ireland. Your application will involve a number of key checks on your business and background.

You can apply to the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) for a one, three or five year licence.

Applications may take up to eight weeks to process, so you should apply in plenty of time before the licence is required.

DVA will only grant your licence if they consider you to be a 'fit and proper' person to run a taxi business.

To help them make this assessment you must disclose any unspent convictions, bankruptcy proceedings or disqualifications from acting as a company director or manager on a personal declaration form.

To 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵ your application you will need to provide the following:

• proof of your identity and the right to live and work in the UK for every person listed on the application - see our guide on ensuring your workers are eligible to work in the UK
• planning permission details for your operating premises, where applicable - see the page in this guide on taxi operating centres
• certificate of VAT Registration or HMRC Self Assessment Return
• your Ofcom licence number if you intend to communicate with drivers by two-way radio or use a computerised despatch system -
• where the public has access to your operating centre, evidence of public liability insurance (at least £5 million) - see our factsheet on public liability insurance
• evidence of employer's liability insurance if you have employees - see our factsheet on employer's liability insurance
• an application fee of £140

You will also need an AccessNI Basic or Enhanced Disclosure Certificate (issued within the last three months) for every person listed on the application (unless a taxi driver's licence has been obtained for that person in the previous three months). For more information about Access NI checks see our guide on criminal records checks.

Completed applications forms should be returned to the DVA's Taxi Operator Licensing Section in Belfast.

If your application is successful you have 28 days to complete a grant of licence form, giving details of all vehicles and drivers. You must also enclose the appropriate fee for the grant of the licence - see grant of licence fees.

Once your application for a taxi operator licence is approved you must pay the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) a grant of licence fee within 28 days. This comprises a fixed fee that depends on the operator's size and a fee per vehicle in the operator's fleet.

The fixed fee for a small operator licence (one or two cars) is:

• 1 year, £15
• 3 years, £45
• 5 years, £75

The fixed fee for a large operator licence (three or more cars) is:

• 1 year, £40
• 3 years, £220
• 5 years, £360

The licence fee per vehicle for the first 25 taxis in your business is:

• 1 year, £40 per vehicle
• 3 years, £120 per vehicle 
• 5 years, £200 per vehicle

Where you have more than 25 taxis in your fleet, the licence fee for the additional vehicles is:

• 1 year, £10 per vehicle 
• 3 years, £12 per vehicle
• 5 years, £20 per vehicle

Holders of a Taxi Operator Licence in Northern Ireland have to comply with certain standards and conditions.

Once your licence is granted by the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) you must:

• comply with all conditions attached to your licence eg in relation to record keeping
• display your licence where the public can see it at your operating centres
• inform DVA of any changes to the details on your licence within seven working days of the change eg any new convictions or changes to a partnership
• notify DVA of any changes to the drivers working for you or the vehicles in your fleet eg adding drivers or vehicles to your licence or substitute vehicles
• comply with all legal requirements eg health and safety regulations

You must only use drivers or vehicles that are listed on your licence to provide taxi services. If you want to take on new drivers or add new vehicles to your fleet (or replace vehicles with newer models) you must notify DVA and pay a variation fee.

You also need to inform DVA if you are no longer using a particular driver or vehicle. However you don't need to pay a variation fee.

If you intend to operate your taxi business from a booking office or other premises (an 'operating centre') there are a number of issues and requirements to be aware of.

Planning permission

You may need planning permission depending on the type of premises and the location.

You will only need planning permission to work from home if the overall character of the building will change as a result of the business. Find out more in our guide on use your home as a workplace.

Things for you to consider in reaching this conclusion are:

• Will your home no longer be used as a private residence?
• Will your business lead to a marked rise in traffic, people calling or an increase in parked cars at your home?
• Will your business involve any activities unusual in a residential area?
• Will your business disturb your neighbours at unreasonable hours or create other forms of nuisance such as noise?

If you're not sure, you can apply to the Planning Service for a Certificate of Lawful Use or Development. This is a legal document which confirms that your business operations don't require planning permission.

If you are working from commercial premises you will need to provide one of the following documents with your application for a taxi operator licence:

• a copy of your planning permission, or
• a Certificate of Lawful Development Existing

Your licence may be revoked if it is later discovered that your operating centre doesn't have planning permission.

If you need any advice on planning matters you should .

Compliance inspections

During the lifetime of your taxi operator licence a compliance officer from the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) may conduct an inspection of your operating centre(s).

You will be expected to provide evidence that you comply with record-keeping duties which form part of the conditions attached to your licence. Records include:

• particulars of bookings
• particulars of vehicles (including the registration mark, a copy of the current insurance certificate and taxi vehicle licence)
• particulars of drivers (including a copy of the driver's ordinary licence and an up-to-date counterpart licence showing all endorsements)
• a photocopy of the driver's taxi driver licence
• record of complaints
• record of lost property

DVA recommends that you keep separate files on your drivers and vehicles and ensure all of the information is up to date.

You may need to produce evidence that you comply with the requirements for certified or audited financial accounts. Even if you do not prepare formal accounts, you need to keep records of income and expenditure over a set accounting period.

You must also ensure that you have any health and safety documents, including policies and risk assessments, available for inspection during a compliance visit. For advice you should contact the Health & Safety Executive for Northern Ireland on Tel 0800 0320 121.

If you fail a compliance visit, you will be issued with a notice identifying the reasons why. Where the reasons are so serious as to pose a risk to the travelling public (eg using unlicensed drivers or vehicles with proper insurance), your licence may be revoked.

Adding a new operating centre

If you wish to add a new operating centre you must inform the DVA by submitting a variation application form and fee (if applicable).

You will need to provide:

• evidence that the new premises has planning permission to be used as an operating centre
• where the public has access to your operating centre, evidence of public liability insurance to the value of £5 million
• where you have employees, evidence of employer's liability insurance
• a valid Ofcom licence for any communications equipment in use at the new premises

If you fail to notify DVA that you are trading from a new operating centre, your licence may be suspended or revoked.

Removal of an operating centre

If you cease to trade from an operating centre you should notify the DVA by submitting a variation application form. There is no fee to remove a centre from a licence.

Each vehicle in your fleet (including stretched limousines) must be licensed by the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) before you can use it as a taxi.

For a taxi to be licensed, it must be insured and pass a rigorous inspection and test arranged by DVA to ensure that it is roadworthy, safe and suitable for the proposed use. It is the responsibility of the vehicle owner to ensure that the taxi is tested.

Applications for a taxi test are made by completing an application form at any DVA test centre.

Applications should be submitted at least six weeks before a certificate is due.

After a successful taxi vehicle test, all vehicles are issued with their licence and plates which must be displayed in accordance with conditions attached to the taxi licence.

Taxi licences are usually granted for up to a year. After this the vehicle owner will need to apply for renewal, and organise for the taxi to be tested again.

Even if you do not own the taxis in your fleet, you can be prosecuted if an unlicensed vehicle is used as a taxi so it is in your interests to ensure that each vehicle carries the appropriate plate or sign.

Professional taxi and private hire vehicle drivers are responsible for the safety of their passengers. They are licensed by Passenger 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵ Licensing Division, Driver and Vehicle Agency. New taxi drivers have to complete a two stage application process. The first stage is the application for the taxi driver licence and the second stage is to apply for and pass taxi theory and practical test. Applications usually take 12 weeks to process. 

First stage

If this is the first time you have applied for a licence to drive a taxi you must:

• have held a full driving licence for at least three years
• be eligible to work in Northern Ireland
• meet the necessary medical requirements
• meet the necessary good repute requirements
• pass a taxi driver theory test and a taxi driver practical test

New applications for a taxi driver licence will include checks on previous convictions, health and the length of time you have held a driving licence. In addition to the application form you must complete an enhanced disclosure application form for Access NI and return it to Passenger 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵ Licensing Division (PTLD) with the necessary identification documents, you don't have to pay any additional fee. Further information on new taxi tests can be found in the manual.

Second stage

You can apply for stage two at the same time as stage one, however, your licence will only be issued once you have met all the requirements.

You need to apply for and pass:

• taxi driver practical test
• taxi driver theory test - followed by 

If you have previously held a taxi driver licence which expired more than a year ago, you will need to make a first-time application.

First-time applications usually take eight to ten weeks to process and renewal applications take at least six weeks.

Taxi driver licence conditions

Conditions may be attached to a taxi driver's licence, eg in relation to the class of vehicle they can drive.

All taxi drivers should wear a badge showing their licence number and should display all other evidence of identification in a place where it can easily be seen by passengers.

Licensed drivers can only be listed with one taxi operator at a time.

You must have been issued with a Taxi Operator Licence from the Driver Vehicle Agency (DVA) to run a taxi service. This applies to sole traders, registered companies and partnerships, provided that the business is located in Northern Ireland.

All taxi drivers are required to either:

• work for a licensed taxi operator

There are two types of operator's licence:

• small operator - can only list up to two taxis on the licence
• large operator - can operate any number of taxis as long as these are listed on the licence

A licensed operator will be required to meet a number of conditions in order to retain their licence.

You don't need a taxi operator licence if you provide:

• transport solely for weddings
• courtesy transport as part of another business which is not a taxi business, eg a funeral undertaker

You need a Taxi Operator Licence to run a taxi service in Northern Ireland. Your application will involve a number of key checks on your business and background.

You can apply to the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) for a one, three or five year licence.

Applications may take up to eight weeks to process, so you should apply in plenty of time before the licence is required.

DVA will only grant your licence if they consider you to be a 'fit and proper' person to run a taxi business.

To help them make this assessment you must disclose any unspent convictions, bankruptcy proceedings or disqualifications from acting as a company director or manager on a personal declaration form.

To 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵ your application you will need to provide the following:

• proof of your identity and the right to live and work in the UK for every person listed on the application - see our guide on ensuring your workers are eligible to work in the UK
• planning permission details for your operating premises, where applicable - see the page in this guide on taxi operating centres
• certificate of VAT Registration or HMRC Self Assessment Return
• your Ofcom licence number if you intend to communicate with drivers by two-way radio or use a computerised despatch system -
• where the public has access to your operating centre, evidence of public liability insurance (at least £5 million) - see our factsheet on public liability insurance
• evidence of employer's liability insurance if you have employees - see our factsheet on employer's liability insurance
• an application fee of £140

You will also need an AccessNI Basic or Enhanced Disclosure Certificate (issued within the last three months) for every person listed on the application (unless a taxi driver's licence has been obtained for that person in the previous three months). For more information about Access NI checks see our guide on criminal records checks.

Completed applications forms should be returned to the DVA's Taxi Operator Licensing Section in Belfast.

If your application is successful you have 28 days to complete a grant of licence form, giving details of all vehicles and drivers. You must also enclose the appropriate fee for the grant of the licence - see grant of licence fees.

Once your application for a taxi operator licence is approved you must pay the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) a grant of licence fee within 28 days. This comprises a fixed fee that depends on the operator's size and a fee per vehicle in the operator's fleet.

The fixed fee for a small operator licence (one or two cars) is:

• 1 year, £15
• 3 years, £45
• 5 years, £75

The fixed fee for a large operator licence (three or more cars) is:

• 1 year, £40
• 3 years, £220
• 5 years, £360

The licence fee per vehicle for the first 25 taxis in your business is:

• 1 year, £40 per vehicle
• 3 years, £120 per vehicle 
• 5 years, £200 per vehicle

Where you have more than 25 taxis in your fleet, the licence fee for the additional vehicles is:

• 1 year, £10 per vehicle 
• 3 years, £12 per vehicle
• 5 years, £20 per vehicle

Holders of a Taxi Operator Licence in Northern Ireland have to comply with certain standards and conditions.

Once your licence is granted by the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) you must:

• comply with all conditions attached to your licence eg in relation to record keeping
• display your licence where the public can see it at your operating centres
• inform DVA of any changes to the details on your licence within seven working days of the change eg any new convictions or changes to a partnership
• notify DVA of any changes to the drivers working for you or the vehicles in your fleet eg adding drivers or vehicles to your licence or substitute vehicles
• comply with all legal requirements eg health and safety regulations

You must only use drivers or vehicles that are listed on your licence to provide taxi services. If you want to take on new drivers or add new vehicles to your fleet (or replace vehicles with newer models) you must notify DVA and pay a variation fee.

You also need to inform DVA if you are no longer using a particular driver or vehicle. However you don't need to pay a variation fee.

If you intend to operate your taxi business from a booking office or other premises (an 'operating centre') there are a number of issues and requirements to be aware of.

Planning permission

You may need planning permission depending on the type of premises and the location.

You will only need planning permission to work from home if the overall character of the building will change as a result of the business. Find out more in our guide on use your home as a workplace.

Things for you to consider in reaching this conclusion are:

• Will your home no longer be used as a private residence?
• Will your business lead to a marked rise in traffic, people calling or an increase in parked cars at your home?
• Will your business involve any activities unusual in a residential area?
• Will your business disturb your neighbours at unreasonable hours or create other forms of nuisance such as noise?

If you're not sure, you can apply to the Planning Service for a Certificate of Lawful Use or Development. This is a legal document which confirms that your business operations don't require planning permission.

If you are working from commercial premises you will need to provide one of the following documents with your application for a taxi operator licence:

• a copy of your planning permission, or
• a Certificate of Lawful Development Existing

Your licence may be revoked if it is later discovered that your operating centre doesn't have planning permission.

If you need any advice on planning matters you should .

Compliance inspections

During the lifetime of your taxi operator licence a compliance officer from the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) may conduct an inspection of your operating centre(s).

You will be expected to provide evidence that you comply with record-keeping duties which form part of the conditions attached to your licence. Records include:

• particulars of bookings
• particulars of vehicles (including the registration mark, a copy of the current insurance certificate and taxi vehicle licence)
• particulars of drivers (including a copy of the driver's ordinary licence and an up-to-date counterpart licence showing all endorsements)
• a photocopy of the driver's taxi driver licence
• record of complaints
• record of lost property

DVA recommends that you keep separate files on your drivers and vehicles and ensure all of the information is up to date.

You may need to produce evidence that you comply with the requirements for certified or audited financial accounts. Even if you do not prepare formal accounts, you need to keep records of income and expenditure over a set accounting period.

You must also ensure that you have any health and safety documents, including policies and risk assessments, available for inspection during a compliance visit. For advice you should contact the Health & Safety Executive for Northern Ireland on Tel 0800 0320 121.

If you fail a compliance visit, you will be issued with a notice identifying the reasons why. Where the reasons are so serious as to pose a risk to the travelling public (eg using unlicensed drivers or vehicles with proper insurance), your licence may be revoked.

Adding a new operating centre

If you wish to add a new operating centre you must inform the DVA by submitting a variation application form and fee (if applicable).

You will need to provide:

• evidence that the new premises has planning permission to be used as an operating centre
• where the public has access to your operating centre, evidence of public liability insurance to the value of £5 million
• where you have employees, evidence of employer's liability insurance
• a valid Ofcom licence for any communications equipment in use at the new premises

If you fail to notify DVA that you are trading from a new operating centre, your licence may be suspended or revoked.

Removal of an operating centre

If you cease to trade from an operating centre you should notify the DVA by submitting a variation application form. There is no fee to remove a centre from a licence.

Each vehicle in your fleet (including stretched limousines) must be licensed by the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) before you can use it as a taxi.

For a taxi to be licensed, it must be insured and pass a rigorous inspection and test arranged by DVA to ensure that it is roadworthy, safe and suitable for the proposed use. It is the responsibility of the vehicle owner to ensure that the taxi is tested.

Applications for a taxi test are made by completing an application form at any DVA test centre.

Applications should be submitted at least six weeks before a certificate is due.

After a successful taxi vehicle test, all vehicles are issued with their licence and plates which must be displayed in accordance with conditions attached to the taxi licence.

Taxi licences are usually granted for up to a year. After this the vehicle owner will need to apply for renewal, and organise for the taxi to be tested again.

Even if you do not own the taxis in your fleet, you can be prosecuted if an unlicensed vehicle is used as a taxi so it is in your interests to ensure that each vehicle carries the appropriate plate or sign.

Professional taxi and private hire vehicle drivers are responsible for the safety of their passengers. They are licensed by Passenger 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵ Licensing Division, Driver and Vehicle Agency. New taxi drivers have to complete a two stage application process. The first stage is the application for the taxi driver licence and the second stage is to apply for and pass taxi theory and practical test. Applications usually take 12 weeks to process. 

First stage

If this is the first time you have applied for a licence to drive a taxi you must:

• have held a full driving licence for at least three years
• be eligible to work in Northern Ireland
• meet the necessary medical requirements
• meet the necessary good repute requirements
• pass a taxi driver theory test and a taxi driver practical test

New applications for a taxi driver licence will include checks on previous convictions, health and the length of time you have held a driving licence. In addition to the application form you must complete an enhanced disclosure application form for Access NI and return it to Passenger 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵ Licensing Division (PTLD) with the necessary identification documents, you don't have to pay any additional fee. Further information on new taxi tests can be found in the manual.

Second stage

You can apply for stage two at the same time as stage one, however, your licence will only be issued once you have met all the requirements.

You need to apply for and pass:

• taxi driver practical test
• taxi driver theory test - followed by 

If you have previously held a taxi driver licence which expired more than a year ago, you will need to make a first-time application.

First-time applications usually take eight to ten weeks to process and renewal applications take at least six weeks.

Taxi driver licence conditions

Conditions may be attached to a taxi driver's licence, eg in relation to the class of vehicle they can drive.

All taxi drivers should wear a badge showing their licence number and should display all other evidence of identification in a place where it can easily be seen by passengers.

Licensed drivers can only be listed with one taxi operator at a time.

You must have been issued with a Taxi Operator Licence from the Driver Vehicle Agency (DVA) to run a taxi service. This applies to sole traders, registered companies and partnerships, provided that the business is located in Northern Ireland.

All taxi drivers are required to either:

• work for a licensed taxi operator

There are two types of operator's licence:

• small operator - can only list up to two taxis on the licence
• large operator - can operate any number of taxis as long as these are listed on the licence

A licensed operator will be required to meet a number of conditions in order to retain their licence.

You don't need a taxi operator licence if you provide:

• transport solely for weddings
• courtesy transport as part of another business which is not a taxi business, eg a funeral undertaker

You need a Taxi Operator Licence to run a taxi service in Northern Ireland. Your application will involve a number of key checks on your business and background.

You can apply to the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) for a one, three or five year licence.

Applications may take up to eight weeks to process, so you should apply in plenty of time before the licence is required.

DVA will only grant your licence if they consider you to be a 'fit and proper' person to run a taxi business.

To help them make this assessment you must disclose any unspent convictions, bankruptcy proceedings or disqualifications from acting as a company director or manager on a personal declaration form.

To 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵ your application you will need to provide the following:

• proof of your identity and the right to live and work in the UK for every person listed on the application - see our guide on ensuring your workers are eligible to work in the UK
• planning permission details for your operating premises, where applicable - see the page in this guide on taxi operating centres
• certificate of VAT Registration or HMRC Self Assessment Return
• your Ofcom licence number if you intend to communicate with drivers by two-way radio or use a computerised despatch system -
• where the public has access to your operating centre, evidence of public liability insurance (at least £5 million) - see our factsheet on public liability insurance
• evidence of employer's liability insurance if you have employees - see our factsheet on employer's liability insurance
• an application fee of £140

You will also need an AccessNI Basic or Enhanced Disclosure Certificate (issued within the last three months) for every person listed on the application (unless a taxi driver's licence has been obtained for that person in the previous three months). For more information about Access NI checks see our guide on criminal records checks.

Completed applications forms should be returned to the DVA's Taxi Operator Licensing Section in Belfast.

If your application is successful you have 28 days to complete a grant of licence form, giving details of all vehicles and drivers. You must also enclose the appropriate fee for the grant of the licence - see grant of licence fees.

Once your application for a taxi operator licence is approved you must pay the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) a grant of licence fee within 28 days. This comprises a fixed fee that depends on the operator's size and a fee per vehicle in the operator's fleet.

The fixed fee for a small operator licence (one or two cars) is:

• 1 year, £15
• 3 years, £45
• 5 years, £75

The fixed fee for a large operator licence (three or more cars) is:

• 1 year, £40
• 3 years, £220
• 5 years, £360

The licence fee per vehicle for the first 25 taxis in your business is:

• 1 year, £40 per vehicle
• 3 years, £120 per vehicle 
• 5 years, £200 per vehicle

Where you have more than 25 taxis in your fleet, the licence fee for the additional vehicles is:

• 1 year, £10 per vehicle 
• 3 years, £12 per vehicle
• 5 years, £20 per vehicle

Holders of a Taxi Operator Licence in Northern Ireland have to comply with certain standards and conditions.

Once your licence is granted by the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) you must:

• comply with all conditions attached to your licence eg in relation to record keeping
• display your licence where the public can see it at your operating centres
• inform DVA of any changes to the details on your licence within seven working days of the change eg any new convictions or changes to a partnership
• notify DVA of any changes to the drivers working for you or the vehicles in your fleet eg adding drivers or vehicles to your licence or substitute vehicles
• comply with all legal requirements eg health and safety regulations

You must only use drivers or vehicles that are listed on your licence to provide taxi services. If you want to take on new drivers or add new vehicles to your fleet (or replace vehicles with newer models) you must notify DVA and pay a variation fee.

You also need to inform DVA if you are no longer using a particular driver or vehicle. However you don't need to pay a variation fee.

If you intend to operate your taxi business from a booking office or other premises (an 'operating centre') there are a number of issues and requirements to be aware of.

Planning permission

You may need planning permission depending on the type of premises and the location.

You will only need planning permission to work from home if the overall character of the building will change as a result of the business. Find out more in our guide on use your home as a workplace.

Things for you to consider in reaching this conclusion are:

• Will your home no longer be used as a private residence?
• Will your business lead to a marked rise in traffic, people calling or an increase in parked cars at your home?
• Will your business involve any activities unusual in a residential area?
• Will your business disturb your neighbours at unreasonable hours or create other forms of nuisance such as noise?

If you're not sure, you can apply to the Planning Service for a Certificate of Lawful Use or Development. This is a legal document which confirms that your business operations don't require planning permission.

If you are working from commercial premises you will need to provide one of the following documents with your application for a taxi operator licence:

• a copy of your planning permission, or
• a Certificate of Lawful Development Existing

Your licence may be revoked if it is later discovered that your operating centre doesn't have planning permission.

If you need any advice on planning matters you should .

Compliance inspections

During the lifetime of your taxi operator licence a compliance officer from the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) may conduct an inspection of your operating centre(s).

You will be expected to provide evidence that you comply with record-keeping duties which form part of the conditions attached to your licence. Records include:

• particulars of bookings
• particulars of vehicles (including the registration mark, a copy of the current insurance certificate and taxi vehicle licence)
• particulars of drivers (including a copy of the driver's ordinary licence and an up-to-date counterpart licence showing all endorsements)
• a photocopy of the driver's taxi driver licence
• record of complaints
• record of lost property

DVA recommends that you keep separate files on your drivers and vehicles and ensure all of the information is up to date.

You may need to produce evidence that you comply with the requirements for certified or audited financial accounts. Even if you do not prepare formal accounts, you need to keep records of income and expenditure over a set accounting period.

You must also ensure that you have any health and safety documents, including policies and risk assessments, available for inspection during a compliance visit. For advice you should contact the Health & Safety Executive for Northern Ireland on Tel 0800 0320 121.

If you fail a compliance visit, you will be issued with a notice identifying the reasons why. Where the reasons are so serious as to pose a risk to the travelling public (eg using unlicensed drivers or vehicles with proper insurance), your licence may be revoked.

Adding a new operating centre

If you wish to add a new operating centre you must inform the DVA by submitting a variation application form and fee (if applicable).

You will need to provide:

• evidence that the new premises has planning permission to be used as an operating centre
• where the public has access to your operating centre, evidence of public liability insurance to the value of £5 million
• where you have employees, evidence of employer's liability insurance
• a valid Ofcom licence for any communications equipment in use at the new premises

If you fail to notify DVA that you are trading from a new operating centre, your licence may be suspended or revoked.

Removal of an operating centre

If you cease to trade from an operating centre you should notify the DVA by submitting a variation application form. There is no fee to remove a centre from a licence.

Each vehicle in your fleet (including stretched limousines) must be licensed by the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) before you can use it as a taxi.

For a taxi to be licensed, it must be insured and pass a rigorous inspection and test arranged by DVA to ensure that it is roadworthy, safe and suitable for the proposed use. It is the responsibility of the vehicle owner to ensure that the taxi is tested.

Applications for a taxi test are made by completing an application form at any DVA test centre.

Applications should be submitted at least six weeks before a certificate is due.

After a successful taxi vehicle test, all vehicles are issued with their licence and plates which must be displayed in accordance with conditions attached to the taxi licence.

Taxi licences are usually granted for up to a year. After this the vehicle owner will need to apply for renewal, and organise for the taxi to be tested again.

Even if you do not own the taxis in your fleet, you can be prosecuted if an unlicensed vehicle is used as a taxi so it is in your interests to ensure that each vehicle carries the appropriate plate or sign.

Professional taxi and private hire vehicle drivers are responsible for the safety of their passengers. They are licensed by Passenger 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵ Licensing Division, Driver and Vehicle Agency. New taxi drivers have to complete a two stage application process. The first stage is the application for the taxi driver licence and the second stage is to apply for and pass taxi theory and practical test. Applications usually take 12 weeks to process. 

First stage

If this is the first time you have applied for a licence to drive a taxi you must:

• have held a full driving licence for at least three years
• be eligible to work in Northern Ireland
• meet the necessary medical requirements
• meet the necessary good repute requirements
• pass a taxi driver theory test and a taxi driver practical test

New applications for a taxi driver licence will include checks on previous convictions, health and the length of time you have held a driving licence. In addition to the application form you must complete an enhanced disclosure application form for Access NI and return it to Passenger 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵ Licensing Division (PTLD) with the necessary identification documents, you don't have to pay any additional fee. Further information on new taxi tests can be found in the manual.

Second stage

You can apply for stage two at the same time as stage one, however, your licence will only be issued once you have met all the requirements.

You need to apply for and pass:

• taxi driver practical test
• taxi driver theory test - followed by 

If you have previously held a taxi driver licence which expired more than a year ago, you will need to make a first-time application.

First-time applications usually take eight to ten weeks to process and renewal applications take at least six weeks.

Taxi driver licence conditions

Conditions may be attached to a taxi driver's licence, eg in relation to the class of vehicle they can drive.

All taxi drivers should wear a badge showing their licence number and should display all other evidence of identification in a place where it can easily be seen by passengers.

Licensed drivers can only be listed with one taxi operator at a time.

You must have been issued with a Taxi Operator Licence from the Driver Vehicle Agency (DVA) to run a taxi service. This applies to sole traders, registered companies and partnerships, provided that the business is located in Northern Ireland.

All taxi drivers are required to either:

• work for a licensed taxi operator

There are two types of operator's licence:

• small operator - can only list up to two taxis on the licence
• large operator - can operate any number of taxis as long as these are listed on the licence

A licensed operator will be required to meet a number of conditions in order to retain their licence.

You don't need a taxi operator licence if you provide:

• transport solely for weddings
• courtesy transport as part of another business which is not a taxi business, eg a funeral undertaker

You need a Taxi Operator Licence to run a taxi service in Northern Ireland. Your application will involve a number of key checks on your business and background.

You can apply to the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) for a one, three or five year licence.

Applications may take up to eight weeks to process, so you should apply in plenty of time before the licence is required.

DVA will only grant your licence if they consider you to be a 'fit and proper' person to run a taxi business.

To help them make this assessment you must disclose any unspent convictions, bankruptcy proceedings or disqualifications from acting as a company director or manager on a personal declaration form.

To 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵ your application you will need to provide the following:

• proof of your identity and the right to live and work in the UK for every person listed on the application - see our guide on ensuring your workers are eligible to work in the UK
• planning permission details for your operating premises, where applicable - see the page in this guide on taxi operating centres
• certificate of VAT Registration or HMRC Self Assessment Return
• your Ofcom licence number if you intend to communicate with drivers by two-way radio or use a computerised despatch system -
• where the public has access to your operating centre, evidence of public liability insurance (at least £5 million) - see our factsheet on public liability insurance
• evidence of employer's liability insurance if you have employees - see our factsheet on employer's liability insurance
• an application fee of £140

You will also need an AccessNI Basic or Enhanced Disclosure Certificate (issued within the last three months) for every person listed on the application (unless a taxi driver's licence has been obtained for that person in the previous three months). For more information about Access NI checks see our guide on criminal records checks.

Completed applications forms should be returned to the DVA's Taxi Operator Licensing Section in Belfast.

If your application is successful you have 28 days to complete a grant of licence form, giving details of all vehicles and drivers. You must also enclose the appropriate fee for the grant of the licence - see grant of licence fees.

Once your application for a taxi operator licence is approved you must pay the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) a grant of licence fee within 28 days. This comprises a fixed fee that depends on the operator's size and a fee per vehicle in the operator's fleet.

The fixed fee for a small operator licence (one or two cars) is:

• 1 year, £15
• 3 years, £45
• 5 years, £75

The fixed fee for a large operator licence (three or more cars) is:

• 1 year, £40
• 3 years, £220
• 5 years, £360

The licence fee per vehicle for the first 25 taxis in your business is:

• 1 year, £40 per vehicle
• 3 years, £120 per vehicle 
• 5 years, £200 per vehicle

Where you have more than 25 taxis in your fleet, the licence fee for the additional vehicles is:

• 1 year, £10 per vehicle 
• 3 years, £12 per vehicle
• 5 years, £20 per vehicle

Holders of a Taxi Operator Licence in Northern Ireland have to comply with certain standards and conditions.

Once your licence is granted by the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) you must:

• comply with all conditions attached to your licence eg in relation to record keeping
• display your licence where the public can see it at your operating centres
• inform DVA of any changes to the details on your licence within seven working days of the change eg any new convictions or changes to a partnership
• notify DVA of any changes to the drivers working for you or the vehicles in your fleet eg adding drivers or vehicles to your licence or substitute vehicles
• comply with all legal requirements eg health and safety regulations

You must only use drivers or vehicles that are listed on your licence to provide taxi services. If you want to take on new drivers or add new vehicles to your fleet (or replace vehicles with newer models) you must notify DVA and pay a variation fee.

You also need to inform DVA if you are no longer using a particular driver or vehicle. However you don't need to pay a variation fee.

If you intend to operate your taxi business from a booking office or other premises (an 'operating centre') there are a number of issues and requirements to be aware of.

Planning permission

You may need planning permission depending on the type of premises and the location.

You will only need planning permission to work from home if the overall character of the building will change as a result of the business. Find out more in our guide on use your home as a workplace.

Things for you to consider in reaching this conclusion are:

• Will your home no longer be used as a private residence?
• Will your business lead to a marked rise in traffic, people calling or an increase in parked cars at your home?
• Will your business involve any activities unusual in a residential area?
• Will your business disturb your neighbours at unreasonable hours or create other forms of nuisance such as noise?

If you're not sure, you can apply to the Planning Service for a Certificate of Lawful Use or Development. This is a legal document which confirms that your business operations don't require planning permission.

If you are working from commercial premises you will need to provide one of the following documents with your application for a taxi operator licence:

• a copy of your planning permission, or
• a Certificate of Lawful Development Existing

Your licence may be revoked if it is later discovered that your operating centre doesn't have planning permission.

If you need any advice on planning matters you should .

Compliance inspections

During the lifetime of your taxi operator licence a compliance officer from the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) may conduct an inspection of your operating centre(s).

You will be expected to provide evidence that you comply with record-keeping duties which form part of the conditions attached to your licence. Records include:

• particulars of bookings
• particulars of vehicles (including the registration mark, a copy of the current insurance certificate and taxi vehicle licence)
• particulars of drivers (including a copy of the driver's ordinary licence and an up-to-date counterpart licence showing all endorsements)
• a photocopy of the driver's taxi driver licence
• record of complaints
• record of lost property

DVA recommends that you keep separate files on your drivers and vehicles and ensure all of the information is up to date.

You may need to produce evidence that you comply with the requirements for certified or audited financial accounts. Even if you do not prepare formal accounts, you need to keep records of income and expenditure over a set accounting period.

You must also ensure that you have any health and safety documents, including policies and risk assessments, available for inspection during a compliance visit. For advice you should contact the Health & Safety Executive for Northern Ireland on Tel 0800 0320 121.

If you fail a compliance visit, you will be issued with a notice identifying the reasons why. Where the reasons are so serious as to pose a risk to the travelling public (eg using unlicensed drivers or vehicles with proper insurance), your licence may be revoked.

Adding a new operating centre

If you wish to add a new operating centre you must inform the DVA by submitting a variation application form and fee (if applicable).

You will need to provide:

• evidence that the new premises has planning permission to be used as an operating centre
• where the public has access to your operating centre, evidence of public liability insurance to the value of £5 million
• where you have employees, evidence of employer's liability insurance
• a valid Ofcom licence for any communications equipment in use at the new premises

If you fail to notify DVA that you are trading from a new operating centre, your licence may be suspended or revoked.

Removal of an operating centre

If you cease to trade from an operating centre you should notify the DVA by submitting a variation application form. There is no fee to remove a centre from a licence.

Each vehicle in your fleet (including stretched limousines) must be licensed by the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) before you can use it as a taxi.

For a taxi to be licensed, it must be insured and pass a rigorous inspection and test arranged by DVA to ensure that it is roadworthy, safe and suitable for the proposed use. It is the responsibility of the vehicle owner to ensure that the taxi is tested.

Applications for a taxi test are made by completing an application form at any DVA test centre.

Applications should be submitted at least six weeks before a certificate is due.

After a successful taxi vehicle test, all vehicles are issued with their licence and plates which must be displayed in accordance with conditions attached to the taxi licence.

Taxi licences are usually granted for up to a year. After this the vehicle owner will need to apply for renewal, and organise for the taxi to be tested again.

Even if you do not own the taxis in your fleet, you can be prosecuted if an unlicensed vehicle is used as a taxi so it is in your interests to ensure that each vehicle carries the appropriate plate or sign.

Professional taxi and private hire vehicle drivers are responsible for the safety of their passengers. They are licensed by Passenger 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵ Licensing Division, Driver and Vehicle Agency. New taxi drivers have to complete a two stage application process. The first stage is the application for the taxi driver licence and the second stage is to apply for and pass taxi theory and practical test. Applications usually take 12 weeks to process. 

First stage

If this is the first time you have applied for a licence to drive a taxi you must:

• have held a full driving licence for at least three years
• be eligible to work in Northern Ireland
• meet the necessary medical requirements
• meet the necessary good repute requirements
• pass a taxi driver theory test and a taxi driver practical test

New applications for a taxi driver licence will include checks on previous convictions, health and the length of time you have held a driving licence. In addition to the application form you must complete an enhanced disclosure application form for Access NI and return it to Passenger 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵ Licensing Division (PTLD) with the necessary identification documents, you don't have to pay any additional fee. Further information on new taxi tests can be found in the manual.

Second stage

You can apply for stage two at the same time as stage one, however, your licence will only be issued once you have met all the requirements.

You need to apply for and pass:

• taxi driver practical test
• taxi driver theory test - followed by 

If you have previously held a taxi driver licence which expired more than a year ago, you will need to make a first-time application.

First-time applications usually take eight to ten weeks to process and renewal applications take at least six weeks.

Taxi driver licence conditions

Conditions may be attached to a taxi driver's licence, eg in relation to the class of vehicle they can drive.

All taxi drivers should wear a badge showing their licence number and should display all other evidence of identification in a place where it can easily be seen by passengers.

Licensed drivers can only be listed with one taxi operator at a time.

You must have been issued with a Taxi Operator Licence from the Driver Vehicle Agency (DVA) to run a taxi service. This applies to sole traders, registered companies and partnerships, provided that the business is located in Northern Ireland.

All taxi drivers are required to either:

• work for a licensed taxi operator

There are two types of operator's licence:

• small operator - can only list up to two taxis on the licence
• large operator - can operate any number of taxis as long as these are listed on the licence

A licensed operator will be required to meet a number of conditions in order to retain their licence.

You don't need a taxi operator licence if you provide:

• transport solely for weddings
• courtesy transport as part of another business which is not a taxi business, eg a funeral undertaker

You need a Taxi Operator Licence to run a taxi service in Northern Ireland. Your application will involve a number of key checks on your business and background.

You can apply to the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) for a one, three or five year licence.

Applications may take up to eight weeks to process, so you should apply in plenty of time before the licence is required.

DVA will only grant your licence if they consider you to be a 'fit and proper' person to run a taxi business.

To help them make this assessment you must disclose any unspent convictions, bankruptcy proceedings or disqualifications from acting as a company director or manager on a personal declaration form.

To 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵ your application you will need to provide the following:

• proof of your identity and the right to live and work in the UK for every person listed on the application - see our guide on ensuring your workers are eligible to work in the UK
• planning permission details for your operating premises, where applicable - see the page in this guide on taxi operating centres
• certificate of VAT Registration or HMRC Self Assessment Return
• your Ofcom licence number if you intend to communicate with drivers by two-way radio or use a computerised despatch system -
• where the public has access to your operating centre, evidence of public liability insurance (at least £5 million) - see our factsheet on public liability insurance
• evidence of employer's liability insurance if you have employees - see our factsheet on employer's liability insurance
• an application fee of £140

You will also need an AccessNI Basic or Enhanced Disclosure Certificate (issued within the last three months) for every person listed on the application (unless a taxi driver's licence has been obtained for that person in the previous three months). For more information about Access NI checks see our guide on criminal records checks.

Completed applications forms should be returned to the DVA's Taxi Operator Licensing Section in Belfast.

If your application is successful you have 28 days to complete a grant of licence form, giving details of all vehicles and drivers. You must also enclose the appropriate fee for the grant of the licence - see grant of licence fees.

Once your application for a taxi operator licence is approved you must pay the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) a grant of licence fee within 28 days. This comprises a fixed fee that depends on the operator's size and a fee per vehicle in the operator's fleet.

The fixed fee for a small operator licence (one or two cars) is:

• 1 year, £15
• 3 years, £45
• 5 years, £75

The fixed fee for a large operator licence (three or more cars) is:

• 1 year, £40
• 3 years, £220
• 5 years, £360

The licence fee per vehicle for the first 25 taxis in your business is:

• 1 year, £40 per vehicle
• 3 years, £120 per vehicle 
• 5 years, £200 per vehicle

Where you have more than 25 taxis in your fleet, the licence fee for the additional vehicles is:

• 1 year, £10 per vehicle 
• 3 years, £12 per vehicle
• 5 years, £20 per vehicle

Holders of a Taxi Operator Licence in Northern Ireland have to comply with certain standards and conditions.

Once your licence is granted by the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) you must:

• comply with all conditions attached to your licence eg in relation to record keeping
• display your licence where the public can see it at your operating centres
• inform DVA of any changes to the details on your licence within seven working days of the change eg any new convictions or changes to a partnership
• notify DVA of any changes to the drivers working for you or the vehicles in your fleet eg adding drivers or vehicles to your licence or substitute vehicles
• comply with all legal requirements eg health and safety regulations

You must only use drivers or vehicles that are listed on your licence to provide taxi services. If you want to take on new drivers or add new vehicles to your fleet (or replace vehicles with newer models) you must notify DVA and pay a variation fee.

You also need to inform DVA if you are no longer using a particular driver or vehicle. However you don't need to pay a variation fee.

If you intend to operate your taxi business from a booking office or other premises (an 'operating centre') there are a number of issues and requirements to be aware of.

Planning permission

You may need planning permission depending on the type of premises and the location.

You will only need planning permission to work from home if the overall character of the building will change as a result of the business. Find out more in our guide on use your home as a workplace.

Things for you to consider in reaching this conclusion are:

• Will your home no longer be used as a private residence?
• Will your business lead to a marked rise in traffic, people calling or an increase in parked cars at your home?
• Will your business involve any activities unusual in a residential area?
• Will your business disturb your neighbours at unreasonable hours or create other forms of nuisance such as noise?

If you're not sure, you can apply to the Planning Service for a Certificate of Lawful Use or Development. This is a legal document which confirms that your business operations don't require planning permission.

If you are working from commercial premises you will need to provide one of the following documents with your application for a taxi operator licence:

• a copy of your planning permission, or
• a Certificate of Lawful Development Existing

Your licence may be revoked if it is later discovered that your operating centre doesn't have planning permission.

If you need any advice on planning matters you should .

Compliance inspections

During the lifetime of your taxi operator licence a compliance officer from the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) may conduct an inspection of your operating centre(s).

You will be expected to provide evidence that you comply with record-keeping duties which form part of the conditions attached to your licence. Records include:

• particulars of bookings
• particulars of vehicles (including the registration mark, a copy of the current insurance certificate and taxi vehicle licence)
• particulars of drivers (including a copy of the driver's ordinary licence and an up-to-date counterpart licence showing all endorsements)
• a photocopy of the driver's taxi driver licence
• record of complaints
• record of lost property

DVA recommends that you keep separate files on your drivers and vehicles and ensure all of the information is up to date.

You may need to produce evidence that you comply with the requirements for certified or audited financial accounts. Even if you do not prepare formal accounts, you need to keep records of income and expenditure over a set accounting period.

You must also ensure that you have any health and safety documents, including policies and risk assessments, available for inspection during a compliance visit. For advice you should contact the Health & Safety Executive for Northern Ireland on Tel 0800 0320 121.

If you fail a compliance visit, you will be issued with a notice identifying the reasons why. Where the reasons are so serious as to pose a risk to the travelling public (eg using unlicensed drivers or vehicles with proper insurance), your licence may be revoked.

Adding a new operating centre

If you wish to add a new operating centre you must inform the DVA by submitting a variation application form and fee (if applicable).

You will need to provide:

• evidence that the new premises has planning permission to be used as an operating centre
• where the public has access to your operating centre, evidence of public liability insurance to the value of £5 million
• where you have employees, evidence of employer's liability insurance
• a valid Ofcom licence for any communications equipment in use at the new premises

If you fail to notify DVA that you are trading from a new operating centre, your licence may be suspended or revoked.

Removal of an operating centre

If you cease to trade from an operating centre you should notify the DVA by submitting a variation application form. There is no fee to remove a centre from a licence.

Each vehicle in your fleet (including stretched limousines) must be licensed by the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) before you can use it as a taxi.

For a taxi to be licensed, it must be insured and pass a rigorous inspection and test arranged by DVA to ensure that it is roadworthy, safe and suitable for the proposed use. It is the responsibility of the vehicle owner to ensure that the taxi is tested.

Applications for a taxi test are made by completing an application form at any DVA test centre.

Applications should be submitted at least six weeks before a certificate is due.

After a successful taxi vehicle test, all vehicles are issued with their licence and plates which must be displayed in accordance with conditions attached to the taxi licence.

Taxi licences are usually granted for up to a year. After this the vehicle owner will need to apply for renewal, and organise for the taxi to be tested again.

Even if you do not own the taxis in your fleet, you can be prosecuted if an unlicensed vehicle is used as a taxi so it is in your interests to ensure that each vehicle carries the appropriate plate or sign.

Professional taxi and private hire vehicle drivers are responsible for the safety of their passengers. They are licensed by Passenger 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵ Licensing Division, Driver and Vehicle Agency. New taxi drivers have to complete a two stage application process. The first stage is the application for the taxi driver licence and the second stage is to apply for and pass taxi theory and practical test. Applications usually take 12 weeks to process. 

First stage

If this is the first time you have applied for a licence to drive a taxi you must:

• have held a full driving licence for at least three years
• be eligible to work in Northern Ireland
• meet the necessary medical requirements
• meet the necessary good repute requirements
• pass a taxi driver theory test and a taxi driver practical test

New applications for a taxi driver licence will include checks on previous convictions, health and the length of time you have held a driving licence. In addition to the application form you must complete an enhanced disclosure application form for Access NI and return it to Passenger 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵ Licensing Division (PTLD) with the necessary identification documents, you don't have to pay any additional fee. Further information on new taxi tests can be found in the manual.

Second stage

You can apply for stage two at the same time as stage one, however, your licence will only be issued once you have met all the requirements.

You need to apply for and pass:

• taxi driver practical test
• taxi driver theory test - followed by 

If you have previously held a taxi driver licence which expired more than a year ago, you will need to make a first-time application.

First-time applications usually take eight to ten weeks to process and renewal applications take at least six weeks.

Taxi driver licence conditions

Conditions may be attached to a taxi driver's licence, eg in relation to the class of vehicle they can drive.

All taxi drivers should wear a badge showing their licence number and should display all other evidence of identification in a place where it can easily be seen by passengers.

Licensed drivers can only be listed with one taxi operator at a time.

You must have been issued with a Taxi Operator Licence from the Driver Vehicle Agency (DVA) to run a taxi service. This applies to sole traders, registered companies and partnerships, provided that the business is located in Northern Ireland.

All taxi drivers are required to either:

• work for a licensed taxi operator

There are two types of operator's licence:

• small operator - can only list up to two taxis on the licence
• large operator - can operate any number of taxis as long as these are listed on the licence

A licensed operator will be required to meet a number of conditions in order to retain their licence.

You don't need a taxi operator licence if you provide:

• transport solely for weddings
• courtesy transport as part of another business which is not a taxi business, eg a funeral undertaker

You need a Taxi Operator Licence to run a taxi service in Northern Ireland. Your application will involve a number of key checks on your business and background.

You can apply to the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) for a one, three or five year licence.

Applications may take up to eight weeks to process, so you should apply in plenty of time before the licence is required.

DVA will only grant your licence if they consider you to be a 'fit and proper' person to run a taxi business.

To help them make this assessment you must disclose any unspent convictions, bankruptcy proceedings or disqualifications from acting as a company director or manager on a personal declaration form.

To 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵ your application you will need to provide the following:

• proof of your identity and the right to live and work in the UK for every person listed on the application - see our guide on ensuring your workers are eligible to work in the UK
• planning permission details for your operating premises, where applicable - see the page in this guide on taxi operating centres
• certificate of VAT Registration or HMRC Self Assessment Return
• your Ofcom licence number if you intend to communicate with drivers by two-way radio or use a computerised despatch system -
• where the public has access to your operating centre, evidence of public liability insurance (at least £5 million) - see our factsheet on public liability insurance
• evidence of employer's liability insurance if you have employees - see our factsheet on employer's liability insurance
• an application fee of £140

You will also need an AccessNI Basic or Enhanced Disclosure Certificate (issued within the last three months) for every person listed on the application (unless a taxi driver's licence has been obtained for that person in the previous three months). For more information about Access NI checks see our guide on criminal records checks.

Completed applications forms should be returned to the DVA's Taxi Operator Licensing Section in Belfast.

If your application is successful you have 28 days to complete a grant of licence form, giving details of all vehicles and drivers. You must also enclose the appropriate fee for the grant of the licence - see grant of licence fees.

Once your application for a taxi operator licence is approved you must pay the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) a grant of licence fee within 28 days. This comprises a fixed fee that depends on the operator's size and a fee per vehicle in the operator's fleet.

The fixed fee for a small operator licence (one or two cars) is:

• 1 year, £15
• 3 years, £45
• 5 years, £75

The fixed fee for a large operator licence (three or more cars) is:

• 1 year, £40
• 3 years, £220
• 5 years, £360

The licence fee per vehicle for the first 25 taxis in your business is:

• 1 year, £40 per vehicle
• 3 years, £120 per vehicle 
• 5 years, £200 per vehicle

Where you have more than 25 taxis in your fleet, the licence fee for the additional vehicles is:

• 1 year, £10 per vehicle 
• 3 years, £12 per vehicle
• 5 years, £20 per vehicle

Holders of a Taxi Operator Licence in Northern Ireland have to comply with certain standards and conditions.

Once your licence is granted by the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) you must:

• comply with all conditions attached to your licence eg in relation to record keeping
• display your licence where the public can see it at your operating centres
• inform DVA of any changes to the details on your licence within seven working days of the change eg any new convictions or changes to a partnership
• notify DVA of any changes to the drivers working for you or the vehicles in your fleet eg adding drivers or vehicles to your licence or substitute vehicles
• comply with all legal requirements eg health and safety regulations

You must only use drivers or vehicles that are listed on your licence to provide taxi services. If you want to take on new drivers or add new vehicles to your fleet (or replace vehicles with newer models) you must notify DVA and pay a variation fee.

You also need to inform DVA if you are no longer using a particular driver or vehicle. However you don't need to pay a variation fee.

If you intend to operate your taxi business from a booking office or other premises (an 'operating centre') there are a number of issues and requirements to be aware of.

Planning permission

You may need planning permission depending on the type of premises and the location.

You will only need planning permission to work from home if the overall character of the building will change as a result of the business. Find out more in our guide on use your home as a workplace.

Things for you to consider in reaching this conclusion are:

• Will your home no longer be used as a private residence?
• Will your business lead to a marked rise in traffic, people calling or an increase in parked cars at your home?
• Will your business involve any activities unusual in a residential area?
• Will your business disturb your neighbours at unreasonable hours or create other forms of nuisance such as noise?

If you're not sure, you can apply to the Planning Service for a Certificate of Lawful Use or Development. This is a legal document which confirms that your business operations don't require planning permission.

If you are working from commercial premises you will need to provide one of the following documents with your application for a taxi operator licence:

• a copy of your planning permission, or
• a Certificate of Lawful Development Existing

Your licence may be revoked if it is later discovered that your operating centre doesn't have planning permission.

If you need any advice on planning matters you should .

Compliance inspections

During the lifetime of your taxi operator licence a compliance officer from the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) may conduct an inspection of your operating centre(s).

You will be expected to provide evidence that you comply with record-keeping duties which form part of the conditions attached to your licence. Records include:

• particulars of bookings
• particulars of vehicles (including the registration mark, a copy of the current insurance certificate and taxi vehicle licence)
• particulars of drivers (including a copy of the driver's ordinary licence and an up-to-date counterpart licence showing all endorsements)
• a photocopy of the driver's taxi driver licence
• record of complaints
• record of lost property

DVA recommends that you keep separate files on your drivers and vehicles and ensure all of the information is up to date.

You may need to produce evidence that you comply with the requirements for certified or audited financial accounts. Even if you do not prepare formal accounts, you need to keep records of income and expenditure over a set accounting period.

You must also ensure that you have any health and safety documents, including policies and risk assessments, available for inspection during a compliance visit. For advice you should contact the Health & Safety Executive for Northern Ireland on Tel 0800 0320 121.

If you fail a compliance visit, you will be issued with a notice identifying the reasons why. Where the reasons are so serious as to pose a risk to the travelling public (eg using unlicensed drivers or vehicles with proper insurance), your licence may be revoked.

Adding a new operating centre

If you wish to add a new operating centre you must inform the DVA by submitting a variation application form and fee (if applicable).

You will need to provide:

• evidence that the new premises has planning permission to be used as an operating centre
• where the public has access to your operating centre, evidence of public liability insurance to the value of £5 million
• where you have employees, evidence of employer's liability insurance
• a valid Ofcom licence for any communications equipment in use at the new premises

If you fail to notify DVA that you are trading from a new operating centre, your licence may be suspended or revoked.

Removal of an operating centre

If you cease to trade from an operating centre you should notify the DVA by submitting a variation application form. There is no fee to remove a centre from a licence.

Each vehicle in your fleet (including stretched limousines) must be licensed by the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) before you can use it as a taxi.

For a taxi to be licensed, it must be insured and pass a rigorous inspection and test arranged by DVA to ensure that it is roadworthy, safe and suitable for the proposed use. It is the responsibility of the vehicle owner to ensure that the taxi is tested.

Applications for a taxi test are made by completing an application form at any DVA test centre.

Applications should be submitted at least six weeks before a certificate is due.

After a successful taxi vehicle test, all vehicles are issued with their licence and plates which must be displayed in accordance with conditions attached to the taxi licence.

Taxi licences are usually granted for up to a year. After this the vehicle owner will need to apply for renewal, and organise for the taxi to be tested again.

Even if you do not own the taxis in your fleet, you can be prosecuted if an unlicensed vehicle is used as a taxi so it is in your interests to ensure that each vehicle carries the appropriate plate or sign.

Professional taxi and private hire vehicle drivers are responsible for the safety of their passengers. They are licensed by Passenger 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵ Licensing Division, Driver and Vehicle Agency. New taxi drivers have to complete a two stage application process. The first stage is the application for the taxi driver licence and the second stage is to apply for and pass taxi theory and practical test. Applications usually take 12 weeks to process. 

First stage

If this is the first time you have applied for a licence to drive a taxi you must:

• have held a full driving licence for at least three years
• be eligible to work in Northern Ireland
• meet the necessary medical requirements
• meet the necessary good repute requirements
• pass a taxi driver theory test and a taxi driver practical test

New applications for a taxi driver licence will include checks on previous convictions, health and the length of time you have held a driving licence. In addition to the application form you must complete an enhanced disclosure application form for Access NI and return it to Passenger 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵ Licensing Division (PTLD) with the necessary identification documents, you don't have to pay any additional fee. Further information on new taxi tests can be found in the manual.

Second stage

You can apply for stage two at the same time as stage one, however, your licence will only be issued once you have met all the requirements.

You need to apply for and pass:

• taxi driver practical test
• taxi driver theory test - followed by 

If you have previously held a taxi driver licence which expired more than a year ago, you will need to make a first-time application.

First-time applications usually take eight to ten weeks to process and renewal applications take at least six weeks.

Taxi driver licence conditions

Conditions may be attached to a taxi driver's licence, eg in relation to the class of vehicle they can drive.

All taxi drivers should wear a badge showing their licence number and should display all other evidence of identification in a place where it can easily be seen by passengers.

Licensed drivers can only be listed with one taxi operator at a time.