Q. How do I become a taxi driver for Milton Keynes Council?
Firstly visit the council website. Open the sub heading Taxi Licensing Application Forms and Fees.
Look at the new Driver Assessment Suitabilty guide. This explains to you the process for becoming a taxi driver with Milton Keynes council. The applicant will need to meet the criteria set out below to begin
- Possession of a full UK Drivers licence is held for a minimum of 12 months
- A DVLA group 2 standards medical certificate dated within the last calendar month.
- A relevant practical taxi driving test pass certificate.
- Evidence of a criminal record check from any country outside of the UK in which they have resided for 6 months or more in the past 20 years.
- Download our New Driver Guide
Q. How much will it cost to become a licensed driver in Milton Keynes?
The cost begins with the
- Enhanced DBS (disclosure and baring service) £60*
- Apply online for your Enhanced DBS check
- Medical varies dependant of which service provider you use.
- Badges are valid for 3 years and cost £220*
- Driving test cost subject to supplier:
A full price list is found on the council website.
*Prices correct at time of submission.
Q. When I receive my DBS certificate, will this mean I get my badges straight away?
No. We no longer receive a copy of your DBS certificate, therefore you need to bring it into the office at Bleak Hall where we can photocopy it and then complete the process of your badge renewal. Also, if you want to register your certificate to the update service you need to do that now. There is a short window of opportunity where you are able to do. You will need to go onto the DBS website to register for that service.
Q. What is the DBS update service?
The DBS update service is provided by the government to enable employers and employees to check the criminal history of new or existing workers quicker and more efficiently. This can only be done once the applicant has registered their DBS certificate number to a database controlled by DBS service. Once the DBS certificate has been received registering it must be done within a 28 day from the date of the certificate.
The applicant will now need to pay a yearly subscription fee. Some benefits are that the check of criminal history is immediate, no form needs to be completed and no waiting several weeks/months. Please remember when you are using the update service in the future you need to produce the certificate (original) whenever you need to use the update services. KEEP THE DBS CERTIFICATE ONCE REGISTERED.
Q. I am a new applicant and have a criminal record; can I still be a licensed driver?
We advise every new applicant to make an application and to give us as much information about their prior convictions or cautions no matter how long ago they were or for what. You may also like to come in for an ‘informal chat’ where you can share additional details/circumstances that lead to your history showing on a DBS certificate.
Our objective for granting or refusing a licence is to determine that a person is ‘fit and proper’ whilst considering public safety and public safeguarding.
Under some circumstances we may refuse to grant a licence, please check our policy for further guidance.
Q. I need to get a criminal record check (DBS) from my country. How can I do that?
Firstly, work out the time period that you need to get checked and from which country(s). Then contact the embassy of that country and look for a link for a DBS or criminal record check and follow that. Maybe, you have relatives back in that country perhaps they can help you. Alternatively, using the Home Office website you can check how to apply for a criminal record check in your country.
Q. My Country is unable to provide a Certificate of Conduct (COC). What can I do?
The council will allow applicants who are unable to obtain a COC to complete a statutory declaration authorised by a solicitor. (Solicitors will charge for this service)
There are strict guidelines for using a statutory declaration they are:
- If the country is one which is unable to provide such certificates as there are no records
- Where an applicant can provide proof they have tried to obtain one and 4 months have passed.
- For reason of Asylum the applicant cannot contact the Country.
We will need proof of the above situations unless already done so.
IMPORTANT: As we may require evidence of your attempts to obtain a COC always send an email or letter and keep any correspondence – this is your proof.
Q. How can I get a DVLA shared driving licence code?
Obtaining a shared driver licence code allows authorised users to view your licence information, penalty points or disqualifications securely. By visiting the DVLA website you complete the questions and this will allow you view your own licence and generate a code that is only valid for 21 days. Pass this code onto the person(s) who require to view your information.
Q. I need a medical. Where do I go to get one?
You need to get a DVLA group 2 medical. You can download a medical form on our website or come into the office to collect one. You can use any medical establishment (at your own cost) where medical professionals (doctors) can see you and complete the form.
Q I am now a licenced taxi driver, what documents MUST I keep in date?
- If you have received any driving endorsements (penalty points)
- If you have to attend a driver awareness course
- Medical for those who are 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, yearly after aged 65
- DVLA driving licence
- Passport if you have one
- Residents permit if you have one
Please produce to us any new documents as soon as possible as it may affect the status of your licence.
Q. When do I need to renew my badges?
Renewal of your badges needs to be done 3 months before expiry of your current badges. This is because we need to allow your DBS certificate to be processed and returned. This can take several weeks or even months, the date of the new certificate must not exceed 3 months from the date of your expired badges.
Unless you have previously registered with the DBS update service. If you have then you can leave it until 4 weeks prior to expiry of your badges, but, please bring the original certificate that has been registered.
Q. What documents do I need to bring with me to renew my badges?
Below is a list of evidence your need to provide to support your application for a new badge. All applicants need to bring some proofs of address, this can include:
- Financial statement (no older than 3 months)
- Mortgage or rental agreement
- Driving licence
- Utility bill (no older than 3 months)
- Council tax bill
I am a British Citizen
I am a national of a EEA area country or Switzerland
I am not a British, EA or Swiss citizen but have the right to work in the UK
Evidence to provide:
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- Adoption certificate
- Passport
- National Identity card
- Documents issued by the Home Office
- Permanent Residency Card
- Passport endorsed by Home Office
- Biometric Immigration Documents
- Biometric Residence Permit
- Immigration Status document
- Travel Document
Q. Do I get temporary badges when my existing badges expire?
If you renew your existing badges 3 months before they are due to expire then you should not need temporary badges. However if you leave it too close to you the expiry date of your badges and your DBS is not received before the expiry date of your existing badges, then you will need temporary badges, these will only be valid for a short period between 1 to 3 months. There is a charge of £30*.
*Prices correct at time of submission.
Q. I have completed my badge application, how long before my badges are ready?
The badges will be ready before your existing badges expire. So long as you have started the process and have allowed time for the DBS to be returned to you (we no longer receive a copy of your DBS certificate) bring your certificate into us as soon as you receive it.
It can be quicker if you have already signed up to the DBS update service, but remember that we still need to see the original certificate you used to register.
Q. I have been arrested or cautioned by the Police, what should I do?
As a licenced driver you have the responsibility to inform the council when incidents happen they could include:
- Being in contact with the police for serious incidents, being arrested, being cautioned by the police
- Any allegations made against you
Q. I have lost my badge or paper part of my licence, can I get a replacement (duplicate)?
Please visit the office at Bleak Hall where you can complete a form and make the appropriate payment. *£20 for a replacement badge and *£8 for the paper part of the licence. Once payment has been made and form completed we will endeavour to produce the item required as soon as possible and call you when ready. *Prices correct at time of submission.
Q. I have changed my name, can you change my licence?
Once you have submitted a change via deed poll through the government website, then please bring to the office of Taxi Licensing at Bleak Hall all relevant documentation to support the change of name.
Q. I have moved recently, do I need to tell Taxi Licensing?
Yes, tell us immediately when you move. This can be done by sending us an email to taxi@milton-keynes.gov.uk
Stating:
- Your name
- Date you moved
- New address
- Old address
- Badge number
- Plate number of vehicle
- Registration of vehicle
Q. I drive a Private hire vehicle and my combined badge says I can drive a Hackney carriage vehicle, do I still need an operator to give me jobs?
No, Hackney carriages are self-employed and driving is their business, they predominantly work on hackney ranks, they wait for work and are usually found at train stations or shopping centres around the local area.
Q. I am a newly licensed driver and drive a Private hire vehicle how do I get my work?
Private hire drivers need to sign up to an operator. The operator will issue them with a device that they log into and can then receive work from. The driver will pay a fee for this service to the operator.