Taxi Licensing

There are two types of vehicle that carry fare paying passengers that are licensed by Stroud District Council. They are Hackney Carriage (taxis) and Private Hire. The main difference between the two types of vehicle is that a Hackney Carriage can be flagged down and use designated taxi ranks whereas Private Hire must be booked in advance of a journey. Hackney Carriages must have a meter and the maximum tariff (fare) is set by the council. The Council does not control the tariff for Private Hire Vehicles.

There are four types of Licence issued by Stroud District Council:

a) Hackney Carriage (Taxi) Vehicle Licence As a taxi operator, you must have a Taxi Vehicle Licence for each taxi you own. This licence is renewed every year.

b) Hackney Carriage (Taxi) and Private Hire Vehicle Drivers Licence If you drive a taxi or private hire vehicle, you must have a Hackney Carriage or Private Hire Vehicle drivers Licence. This is renewable annually.

c) Private Hire Vehicle Licence You must have a Private Hire Vehicle Licence for any vehicle, other than a taxi mentioned above, that you use for private hire. This licence is renewable annually.

d) Private Hire Operators Licence If you take bookings for a private hire business, you must have a Private Hire Operators Licence. This licence is renewable annually.

If you would like further information on becoming a Hackney Carriage or Private Hire Driver please contact the office on 01453 754440/754404 to make an appointment to come in and speak to an officer.

You may wish to download the Introductory Guidance to becoming a Taxi/Private Hire Driver and the relevent application forms before your appointment.