New driver applications | Hackney carriages and private hire | Oldham Council

Hackney carriages and private hire

2. New driver applications

Three important things you need to know before you start:

  • You need to be 21 or over
  • Be eligible to work in the UK
  • Have held a driver’s licence for 2 or more years

If you meet the above criteria, you need to have all the relevant documents listed below before you apply:

  • Current DVLA driver’s licence
  • Current passport (if you have one)
  • Proof of right to work
  • Proof of National Insurance number
  • Recent passport-sized photograph

Guidance on how to obtain all of the above documents is outlined in our information sheet below:

In addition to the above, you are also required to obtain the following:

DBS Certificate and Driving Licence check – available on the following link: 

Group 2 Medical and GP/Doctor Declaration – both forms must be taken together to your GP/Doctor for completion: 

Once you have all the required documents, please register your online application below, by creating an account with us:

Online Account

Important: If you have lived outside the UK for more than 3 continuous months, since the age of 18, a Certificate of Good Conduct is required.

Driver Training and Knowledge Test

All applicants are required to attend a Driver Awareness Training course, which will be followed by a Knowledge Test.

The test comprises of 20 multiple-choice questions, and applicants will be allowed 1 hour to complete the test.

The questions will cover the following topics, all of which will be covered in the training provided:

  • Licence conditions/policy
  • Customer care skills
  • Basic numeracy skills
  • Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)
  • Road signs
  • Highway code

Full details on the application process, useful links, and information regarding any documents can be found in our guidance notes below:

Dual Driver Licences are issued for a period of 3 years unless otherwise approved.