Private hire operators in Runnymede

Private hire operators are businesses or individuals who are licensed to invite and accept bookings for journeys to be carried out by private hire drivers using private hire vehicles (up to a maximum of 8 passengers).

For a List of Runnymede Registered Private hire operators see the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire registers page.

Before any person can operate they must first hold a licence granted by the relevant Licensing Authority. Runnymede Borough Council is the Licensing Authority for businesses and individuals operating from Runnymede. Licences will only be granted where the applicant is deemed to be fit and proper, which is established by a number of requirements that must be met.

Details of application requirements, as well as the conditions attached to private hire operator licences which must be adhered to can be found in our policy.

How to make your application

To assist you, the process is shown in steps below.

Please ensure that all forms are completed properly, and you have provided all the documentation required before submitting your application to prevent delays in the process.

You must pass Runnymede's Operators knowledge test.

The knowledge test is designed to ensure you have sufficient knowledge of the requirements to become a Private Hire Operator. This is regularly reviewed to ensure it does not become a barrier to applicants.

Prior to sitting the knowledge test, please ensure you understand our Licensing Policy this includes conditions and requirements for Private Hire operators as well as statutory requirements. These can be found in Our policy attached to this page.

Test are held once per month, when you are ready to book, please use the payment link to make payment, we will then contact you with the next available date

If you intend to licence as a driver in Runnymede, do not complete this section, your drivers enhanced check can be used for both applications, if you are applying for an Operators licence only, follow the steps below.

You must obtain a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

This is an online application process; full details are contained in the guidance.

The original DBS certificate must be submitted with your licence application. 

All new applicants are required to attend a virtual classroom Taxi Safeguarding course specific to Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Trade.

To book a place on a course and for full details of the training, please visit the Taxi Safeguarding page on the Blue Lamp Trust website:

You must complete disability awareness training. This is an online program provided by a number of providers.

To access the training course follow the instructions below:

You must carry out this training with any one of the companies below, the links shown below will take you straight to the disability awareness training booking page.

Once completed download and print your certificate, you will need to submit this with your application.

 

Please ensure that all forms are completed properly and you have provided all the documentation required to prevent delays in the process. Your application will not be considered if you do not submit the correct fee and the required documents.

When steps 1 to 5 have been completed you can submit your application form. You can either post this or hand it in to our reception at the Civic Centre (marked for the attention of taxi licensing).

You must include the following original documents with your application form:

  • application form - Hackney carriage and private hire licensing forms
  • proof of having passed the knowledge test, (this will be in the form of a letter from the council)
  • your DBS certificate
  • proof of leave to remain/right to work in the UK i.e. a biometric residence permit, or  your birth certificate or any passports you hold
  • your certificate for Safeguarding and Child Sexual Exploitation awareness
  • your certificate for Disability Awareness Training
  • your application is not valid until the fee has been paid. Please use the payment link below.

Once received your application will then be considered and provided you meet the requirements your licence will be granted as soon as possible.

We aim to make decision on the granting of licenses within 10 working days of receipt however this is frequently quicker. Delays only occur where there are errors in the application form or enquiries which have to be made with third parties.

You can complete an online form to make a payment for private hire licence.

Private hire operators licence payment

Get in touch about licensing

The quickest way to contact us is by using our online forms which are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you need to speak to us give us a call during office hours and talk to our Customer Services team who will be happy to help.

Licensing related pages