Private hire operator's licence
This application forms contains guidance notes outlining the requirements you must meet when applying for a private hire operators licence with Tonbridge and Malling.
Duration and cost
A private hire operator's licence last for five years and costs £92 per vehicle.
Conditions
A private hire operator's licence is required by anyone who accepts or invites bookings to be made for private hire vehicles. A licensed private hire driver cannot accept fares unless it has first been booked through a licensed operator. Operators are required to keep a register or permanent book giving details of every booking taken. These records may be inspected by the council or police at any time.
All private hire vehicles are required to work under the umbrella of an operator's licence. If you are working for a company you must ensure that the vehicle being used is registered on the operator's licence. If you are working for yourself you must get your own operator's licence.
All three licences - private hire drivers, vehicle and operator's licence - must be held by the same licensing authority. It is an offence to operate a private hire vehicle and private hire drivers licence without a private hire operator's licence.
Associated legislation
Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976