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Taxi (Hackney Carriage) and Private Hire Vehicle Licensing

Description of service

On 1 July 2007 the Health Act 2006 came into force. This legislation states that no smoking is allowed in any of the Council's Licensed private hire vehicles or hackney carriages. If you witness any breaches of the legislation please conatct the Licensing Section on 01773 841398.

If you require the neccessary signs to place into your vehicle please go to www.smokefreesigns.co.uk or see the link at the side of this page

Taxi Driver Checks

Taxi drivers in Amber Valley undergo a series of checks and tests to ensure they are a 'fit and proper' before they qualify for a licence:

  • The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) use their disclosure service to search an individual's criminal record to establish whether or not they are a safe person to drive members of the public.
  • The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) check the individual's driving history.
  • A medical examination ensures the individual is physically able to carry out the work required of a licensed driver. This may involve lifting heavy objects such as luggage and possibly people's wheelchairs.
  • Individuals undergo a knowledge test designed to find out whether they are capable of driving in a safe manner to a number of locations throughout Amber Valley.
  • Two character references are required, one from the current employer and one from a professionally qualified person.

Taxi Types

Two types of taxis operate under license within the Borough:

Hackney Carriages

  • Hackney carriages have an illuminated roof sign.
  • Hackney carriages have a meter set to the Council's correct tariff.
  • Hackney carriages display of the table of fares inside.
  • Hackney carriages can be flagged down for fares.
The Licensing Section are working hard to ensure a high standard of hackney carriages. New applications for licensed hackney carriage vehicles are only accepted if the vehicle is a London style cab or similar vehicle of a suitable specification. The vehicle must be less than five years old when the application is made and it will not be licensed by the Council when it has reached the age of 9 years. Vehicles irrespective of age are tested twice a year.

Private Hire Vehicles

  • Private hire vehicles should be booked in advance with a licensed taxi operator.
  • The vehicle must be less than five years old when the application is made and it will not be licensed by the Council when it has reached the age of 9 years. Vehicles irrespective of age are tested twice a year.
  • Private hire vehicles cannot pick up members of the public off the street

Contact Details

Telephone01773 841605 - Licensing Section
Telephone01773 841343 - Faxes received outside of normal working hours will be dealt with the following working day.
TelephoneTown Hall, Market Place, Ripley, DE5 3BT - You can visit the Council's main office which is open from 09:00 to 16:30 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and from 10:00 to 16:30 Wednesday, excluding Bank Holidays and certain other discretionary holidays. Click on the address for a location map. This is also the main postal address.
TelephoneTown Centre Offices in Alfreton, Belper, Heanor and Ripley. The Council has offices in each of the four town centres that can be used to access a wide range of services.