Taxi licences

Taxi and Private Hire licensing

We are responsible for the licensing of the following within the Borough of Gateshead:

• Hackney Carriage vehicles
• Hackney Carriage drivers
• Private Hire vehicles
• Private Hire drivers
• Private Hire operators

Applying to be a licensed driver with Gateshead Council

You will need to obtain a drivers badge (either Hackney Carriage, Private Hire or Dual) if you wish to work as a driver in the Gateshead area.

When considering applying for a Licence it is advised to read the Policy (PDF, 256 KB) before submitting an application.

We have an application process for new drivers which begins with a basic screening form (opens new window). If you have any queries regarding the screening form, please email our Licensing inbox.

Once we have checked your screening form and confirmed you are eligible to proceed, you will then receive a driver application pack via email which contains the following:

• Knowledge Test revision booklet (This test is mandatory for both Hackney Carriage and Private Hire applicants).
• Driver application Form
• Group 2 medical certificate
• Guidance on acceptable forms of ID for a DBS application

Once ready to sit the Knowledge Test, please contact the team by email and further information will be provided on the next steps in the application process.
 

Tax Conditionality check - for renewing drivers

All individuals need to complete a tax check when renewing a licence in England and Wales. If a tax check is not completed, The Licensing Authority will be unable to consider the application and this will mean a current licence will expire.

The following links may assist you in preparing for the new tax conditionality checks:

• Gov.uk: Tax check factsheet (opens new window)
• Gov.uk: Complete a tax check (opens new window)
• Gov.uk: Licence application tax check - communications resources (opens new window)
• Gov.uk: Help and support for the HMRC personal tax account (opens new window)
• Gov.uk: Use your business tax account (opens new window)
• Gov.uk: Generate a tax check code (opens new window)

The Equality Act 2010

This List of Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (Correct as of January 2025) (PDF, 224 KB)(opens new window) is designated for the purposes of Section 165 of the above Act.
 

Hackney carriage and private hire documents

• Hackney Carriage Driver Conditions (PDF, 183 KB)(opens new window)
• Private Hire Driver Conditions (PDF, 180 KB)(opens new window)
• Policy on the relevance of criminal conduct and complaints against licence holders (PDF, 256 KB)(opens new window)
• Hackney Carriage Vehicle Tariff - Updated August 2022 (PDF, 209 KB)(opens new window)
• Vehicle Application Form (PDF, 61 KB)(opens new window)
• Private Hire Operator Application Form (PDF, 273 KB)(opens new window)
• Private Hire Operator Conditions (PDF, 361 KB)(opens new window)
• Hackney Carriage Vehicle Conditions (PDF, 84 KB)(opens new window)
• Private Hire Vehicle Conditions (PDF, 76 KB)(opens new window)