As a result of high demand, our suitability tests are at full capacity so we are currently unable to accept applications for new drivers. Unfortunately we cannot provide an exact date when bookings will be reopened but please check this page regularly for updates.
If you want to drive a licensed hackney carriage or private hire vehicle in North Somerset, you need to obtain a taxi driver's licence.
All drivers, vehicles and operators involved in hire and reward work must be licensed. It is an offence to trade without one.
There are two types of driver's licences:
As a private hire driver licence holder, you:
As a combined licence holder, you
Before you submit an application, you need to
We cannot proceed with your application unless you give us all the information we need.
If you want to apply to be a licensed driver, you must
All new applicants for driver’s licences are required to undergo a driving test. This is run by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA). Candidates are required to apply directly to the DVSA examiner.
All new applicants must take a suitability test before being permitted to apply for a licence. There is a fee of £25 for this test. It may consist of basic numeracy, literacy and map reading assessments.
Applicants will only be permitted to take the test up to three times.
If you do not pass by the third attempt, an application will not normally progress. Requests to sit further test attempts will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis by appeal to the licensing office.
Suitability tests are carried out by appointment only. Please email us to book.
You will need to have the following documentation available before we can carry out a suitability test
Applicants must achieve a minimum of 80% to pass the test.
More information about the different types of knowledge tests and what they include can be found on our dedicated webpage.
We will carry out a criminal record check to assess the suitability of an applicant. We are licensed with the Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) to perform these checks.
Applicants are judged against the Council’s Criminal Conviction Policy which incorporates Home Office guidelines and the department of transport statutory standards.
An additional check will be made by the Licensing Authority, through the update service, every 6 months for the duration of a licence.
More information about this can be found in our statement of principles document.
All applicants will be required to allow us to check their DVLA driving licence. These checks are made to look for motoring offences or driving bans recorded against the applicant’s DVLA driving licence.
All applicants will be required to attend a training session on safeguarding children and vulnerable persons.
The training session will cover the conduct and responsibilities of those licensed. It will provide guidance in identifying when vulnerable people need protection and how to ensure they are taken to a place of safety.
Details of the fees related to applying for licence can be found in our fees and charges booklet.
When you are sure you are eligible and are able to provide all the information we require, please submit an application via email to our licensing team.
Licensing, Town Hall, Walliscote Grove Road, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1UJ
Applications for the grant or renewal of a driver's licence will be dealt with in a timely manner.
If you have not received a response after 10 working days, please contact us for an update.