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Initial test
Prior to making an application prospective drivers must undergo a basic reading, writing and arithmetic test. The cost of will be borne by the applicant. If successful, you will be able to proceed to the second stage on the day. Please telephone 01394 444802 to make an appointment.
For the second stage of your application, we will go through the application form with you (the form will be issued to you on the day). You must bring one passport sized photograph and make the payment.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
When you come to the office, we will guide you through the Disclosure and Barring Service disclosure form (the form will be issued to you on the day). When you attend you MUST bring in your DVLA driving licence and proof of documents from Group 1 (DVLA drivers licence), Group 2a or Group 2b of the DBS checking guidelines, one of which must confirm your current address, for example a utility bill displaying your name and address.
In addition if you have a valid passport, you MUST bring the passport with you, and if you have changed your name since birth, you MUST bring evidence of this name change – this could mean your marriage certificate or official documents recording a name change by deed poll.
If you have lived at more than one address over the last five years, please make sure you can tell us where you lived and the dates you lived there (month and year).
Note. If we cannot establish an applicant’s identity in accordance with DBS ID guidelines, the applicant will be asked to give their consent to have their fingerprints taken in line with the current procedure. You should be aware that this will require attendance at a Police Station at an appointed time, and may add delay into the overall application process.
DVLA
You must provide evidence of your driving record (entitlements and/or penalty points), you can do this online by accessing the DVLA’s ‘Share Driving Licence’ service at https://www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence, or alternatively we can assist you with this during the second stage of your appointment.
The paper counterpart to the photo-card driving licence is no longer valid, and no longer issued by DVLA. The counterpart was introduced to display driving licence details that could not be included on the photo-card. These details include some vehicle categories you are entitled to drive and any endorsement/penalty points.
The licensing team will routinely check these details on application or renewal of driver licenses and will need your cooperation in order to do so in the future. When you are asked to provide evidence of your driving record (entitlements and/or penalty points), whether it be for a new application a renewal or spot check, you can do this online by accessing the DVLA’s ‘Share Driving Licence’ service at https://www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence.
In order to use this service you will need to have:
- your driver number
- your National Insurance number
- your postcode.
The service allows you to generate a ‘check code’ to pass to a member of the licensing team. This code allows us to see:
- what vehicles you can drive
- any penalty points or disqualifications you have
- the last 8 characters of your driving licence number
If you cannot generate a code online then you can call 0300 083 0013 and DVLA will provide you with a code. These codes are time-limited though so you will need to generate the code prior to attending the offices.
Driving assessment
After your initial appointment a driving assessment must be completed to ensure the applicant is competent in vehicular control and is able to carry out manoeuvres smoothly and safely. Part of the assessment includes a knowledge test to demonstrate the applicant has adequate knowledge of the legislation and licensing requirements.
A hackney carriage applicant will also be required to undertake a geographical test which will involve a journey taking the shortest route.
Driving assessments should be booked directly with Mr Bob Gosden, the council’s approved driving examiner, on tel. 01473 716873. The applicant must bear the cost of the test and payment should be made directly to Mr Gosden.
Medicals
Applicants must be medically examined by a qualified UK registered Medical Practitioner who has access to the applicant’s full medical records (the cost of which must be borne by the applicant). The medical fitness standard adopted by the council for licence holders reflects the fitness standard for the Group 2 DVLA drivers (Group 2 licence holders are permitted to drive large goods vehicles, buses and coaches). The reason for this is that, because professional drivers spend substantially longer at the wheel than private motorists, the risk of sudden illness occurring whilst driving is greater. In particular, the requirements relating to epilepsy, eyesight and diabetes are more stringent.
A medical remains valid until the age of 45. At 45 years of age a new medical certificate will be required, regardless of how long it has been since your original application. A new certificate will then be required at the age of 50 years, 55 years, 60 years and 65years. After 65 years of age, annual medical certificates are required.
Applicants who hold a valid DVLA Group 2 licence do not have to provide any other medical information.
Driver training
All new applicants will be required to undertake a two-day college course The Role of a Professional Taxi and Private Hire Driver. You are required to present your pass certificate to the Licensing Team. The cost of this training must be paid by the applicant.
Right to a licence
Licensing authorities are required to check the immigration status and right to work of all those applying for taxi, private hire driver and operator licences.
On your first appointment please supply:
- British Citizens – a British Passport, or a Birth Certificate and an official document showing your National Insurance Number, or a Certificate of Registration and an official document showing your National Insurance Number.
- All others – evidence of permission to remain and work in the UK. Please use this link - https://www.gov.uk/prove-right-to-work
Private hire/hackney carriage vehicles
If you intend to licence a private hire or hackney carriage vehicle please inform the Licensing Team during the application process.
Private Hire Operators Licence
If you intend to start your own private hire business and not work for a company that is already established a private hire operator’s licence will be required. Please inform the Licensing Team.
Please refer to the application form or scale of fees for payment charges which must be paid during the initial and second stage of your application.
Contact details
East Suffolk Council has two offices and you will need to decide which site is more convenient to carry out the application process.
| East Suffolk Council East Suffolk House Riduna Park, Station Road Melton Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 1RT |
East Suffolk Council Riverside 4 Canning Road Lowestoft Suffolk NR33 0EQ |
| Email address: licensing@eastsuffolk.gov.uk | |
| Telephone: 01394 444802 | |
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