5. Private hire operators
Operators of private hire vehicles are required to be licensed. An Operator is a business that makes provision for the invitation or acceptance of bookings for a private hire vehicle.
Oldham Borough Council will grant an operator’s licence unless the applicant is not a fit and proper person to hold one.
All base staff must have a Basic Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check. This requirement will not apply to any base staff that hold a current Dual Drivers Licence.
The DBS check must be carried out before initial employment commences and a new check must be carried out every 3 years thereafter. The operator themselves must have an annual DBS check.
Base staff must also undergo training with the Licensing Service on their responsibilities and obligations. If you employ any new staff that need to attend this training, please email licensing@oldham.gov.uk for it to be arranged.
As a private hire operator, you may be required to obtain Public Liability Insurance and Employee Liability Insurance. You should seek advice from the Licensing Service as to whether you require this.
To apply to be a licensed private hire operator, please use the form below. Once complete it should be returned to: