How to become a licensed driver

We carry out several checks and tests on all applicants before issuing a licence. If you submit an application but you are not a suitable applicant, your application will be refused and you will only be refunded part of your application fee.

Step 1 - transport policy

Please read the current transport policy on the Council's website. It will tell you whether you are eligible to apply for a hackney carriage (HC) or private hire (PH) driver licence, and if there are any reasons why your application may be refused

Step 2 - safeguarding certificate

Safeguarding Awareness Training is an e-learning package developed by the four Tees Valley Authorities with Barnardo's. It is a minimum training requirement for taxi drivers, private hire drivers and operators.

Step 3 - Tees Valley driving assessment certificate

Tees Valley Driving Assessment Certificate is a practical driving test. You will need to demonstrate you can safely drive with the comfort of passengers in mind, drive to existing road conditions and obey all traffic signs, orders and speed limits.

Read the guide to your Tees Valley taxi assessment.

Step 4 - Tax check code (if applicable)

You must complete a HMRC tax check if you are:

• renewing a licence
• applying for the same type of licence you previously held, that stopped being valid less than a year ago
• applying for the same type of licence you already hold with another licensing authority

Visit the Government's complete a tax check for a taxi or private hire licence webpage for more information.

Step 5 - DVLA check code

You need to provide a DVLA check code to:

•  view your driving record, for example vehicles you can drive
• check your penalty points or disqualifications

The check code will be valid for 21 days.

Visit the Government's view or share your driving licence information webpage for more information.

Step 6 - application form

Complete and pay for your application, you will need the above documents to upload with the application.

Apply to be a licensed driver

Step 7 - medical examination report

Once you have applied a Medical Examination Report document will be sent to your home address if applicable that you and your GP need to complete and return. If the document is not completed in full it will be returned to you and the process with be paused.

Visit the Government's general information for assessing fitness to drive webpage for more information. 

Step 8 - knowledge test pass certificate

Knowledge test pass certificate is an online multiple-choice test. You will need to demonstrate good local knowledge of the Stockton-on-Tees area including key buildings such as hospitals and schools. You do not need to call us this will be automatically booked for you.

Step 9 - enhanced DBS check

If you are not in the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) update service, you will need to apply for an enhanced disclosure. Once you have applied you will receive an email with instructions on how to apply for a DBS. You will then need to call 01642 524802 to make an appointment for your DBS documents to be verified.

If you are part of the update service we need to view your DBS certificate, a screen shot of your update service will not be accepted. If you have certain convictions you maybe refused a licence.

You can read more on the DBS check on our consideration of convictions, cautions, reprimands, warnings, complaints and character webpage.

Step 10 - right to work check

You will need to provide proof of your right to work in the UK as part of your application. An appointment will be booked for your right to work documents to be verified.

You can read more on the Government's Licensing authority guide to right to work checks webpage.