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The Licensing Partnership are suspending knowledge tests during the current pandemic to minimise exposure risk to those taking the test and officers running them. We did not take this decision lightly as we will not be able to take applications for new drivers for the immediate future. We will contact anyone who has already booked on a future test to advise them of this. We will keep this situation under constant review and as soon as we feel it is safe to start running the tests again we will reintroduce them.
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
Applicants are required to have read the DBS Enhanced Check Privacy Policy before making an application and applicants will be asked to declare they have read and understood how the DBS will process their personal data on their application form.
The Council strongly encourages all licensed drivers to sign up to the DBS Update Service as it makes the driver renewal process easier.
Please read and/or download the Revised Code of Practice for Disclosure and Barring Service Registered Persons prior to your application.
Please see our The Licensing Partnership Policy statement on the secure storage, handling, use, retention and disposal of Disclosures and Disclosure Information document.
On this page you will find information you require to either renew or apply for a taxi, vehicle or operator licence. We have a statutory duty to licence all:
These powers are granted under two acts. The Town Police Clauses Act 1847 and the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions Act) 1976.
If you're planning to be a taxi driver, you should read through our Licensing Policy. This'll give you information on what you can and can't do, and what you're entitled to as a driver.
To apply for a Hackney, Private Hire or Dual drivers licence you must:
You must provide evidence demonstrating your right to work in the taxi and private hire sector.
If you don't you can't take the test.
You need to correctly answer questions on:
If you're applying to be a Hackney or Dual driver you'll also need to know the Byelaws which can be found here.
You should watch this safeguarding video before you take the test.
The Bank of Routes is only a sample of the routes that may come up in the test. It doesn't have all of them. It's your responsibility to ensure your knowledge of Maidstone is broad enough to pass that part of the test. We encourage you to read through our frequently asked questions, study a map or local A-Z.
Contact Sevenoaks District Council on 01732 227001, make payment of £33 and then email your receipt to licensing@maidstone.gov.uk. One of our Licensing Officers will contact you to confirm the date and time of your test. If you fail the test three times you won't be allowed to resit the test again for six months. This is to give you more time to develop your knowledge to the level needed to pass the test.
Each test has 63 randomly picked questions. To pass you must score more than 80% in all categories. You have to score 100% in the compulsory and safeguarding category. An information booklet is provided here.
After successfully completing the test you'll need to complete the following:
You'll need to bring them with you to the Maidstone Link when you complete your DBS application with one of our officers.
If you're applying for a Hackney or Dual licence you'll also need to take a wheelchair test with:
We check all drivers are medically fit, have a thorough knowledge of Maidstone and are fit enough to hold a licence. We also check all licensed vehicles on a regular basis to make sure they are safe. All licensed vehicles have a licence plate which must be fixed to the back and drivers are given a photographic ID card which must be worn at all times while driving.
New licences ares issued for three years. We can issue a yearly badge in the first year of applying if requested. Yearly licences can also be given on medical grounds.
Existing licensed drivers must apply to renew their licence a minimum of 14 days before it expires. Not doing so may mean you have to apply as a new applicant instead.
You must give us your completed medical examination within six weeks of making your renewal application.
To renew your licence you'll need to complete the following:
You can apply online using our online application form.
You must also make an appointment with a member of the licensing team to complete the following:
Once you're ready to make your application please email licensing@maidstone.gov.uk or call 01622 602000 to make an appointment to meet with an officer.
Licences may be issued for up to three years depending on your immigration status and/or medical history. Each application is dealt with on its own merits.
Before applying for a licence, you must read our Taxi Licensing Policy and Our licence fees.
You will also need to supply your:
Your vehicle will need to be booked in for a compliance test. To book this, contact the Licensing Partnership on 01732 227004.
New licences are issued for one year, and are renewed yearly.
This tariff applies from 6am to 12am. On 24 December and 31 December it applies up to 6pm.
| Distance Traveled | Time Traveled | Fare Head |
|---|---|---|
| The first 598.5 metres (654 yards) | The first 3 minutes and 5 seconds of waiting time | £2.80 |
| Every additional 140.4 metres (153 yards) | Every additional 37.2 seconds of waiting time | 20p |
On 24 December up to 6pm tariff one applies. On 31 December up to 6pm tariff one applies.
This tariff apllies on 24 December and 31 December from 6pm to 12am.
| Distance Traveled | Time Traveled | Fare Head |
|---|---|---|
| The first 598.5 metres (654 yards) | The first 3 minutes and 5 seconds of waiting time | £4.20 |
| Every additional 140.4 metres (153 yards) | Every additional 37.2 seconds of waiting time | 30p |
For hirings between midnight and 6am and all day Sunday and Bank Holidays 50% above tariff one rate except where tariff three applies. From 6pm to Midnight on 24 December tariff two Applies, from 6pm to Midnight on 31 December Tariff two applies.
This tariff applies from 12am on 24 December and 6am on 27 December.
| Distance Traveled | Time Traveled | Fare Head |
|---|---|---|
| The first 598.5 metres (654 yards) | The first 3 minutes and 5 seconds of waiting time | £5.60 |
| Every additional 140.4 metres (153 yards) | Every additional 37.2 seconds of waiting time | 40p |
For hirings between Midnight 24 December and 6am on 27 December tariff three Applies and Midnight on 31 December and 6am on 2 January 100% above tariff one rate.
For vehicles hired by more than two passengers, an extra 10p per person will be charged.
If a Hackney Carriage is hired by time the fare will be agreed with the customer at the time of the hiring.
Apart from extra charges covered in the tables above, drivers aren't allowed to charge more than the fare displayed on the taximeter.
An additional £50 will be charged if a passenger or animal has soiled or fouled in a Hackney Carriage during the journey.
If you want to provide pre-booked work for example airport transfers, hen/stag nights etc, you'll need a private hire operator licence.
If you're planning to run the business from home, you may also need to apply for planning permission. For more information about planning, visit our Planning for Business pages.
Before applying for a licence, you must read our Taxi Licensing Policy.
Before making your application you may need to download The Disclosure and Barring Update Service (DBS) & ID Checklist.
If you already hold a current taxi driver licence you can make the application without this.
New licences are issued for one year and are renewed yearly.
You'll need to download our guidance notes to drivers and fill in the private hire, hackney carriage or dual driver licence application form and send it to:
Licensing PartnershipPlease call 01622 602000 to book an appointment to see one of our Licensing Officers in The Link in King Street. They'll also be able to answer any queries that you may have about your application.
The knowledge test is proposed to change from £33 to £34 per test.
| Application type | Current three year cost | Proposed three year cost | Current one year cost | Proposed one year cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial application | £319* | £326* | £134 | £136 |
| Disclosure barring service search fee |
£44 every one or three years depending on the licence. £13 online. |
£40 every one or three years depending on the licence. £13 online. |
£44 every one or three years depending on the licence. £13 online. |
£40 every one or three years depending on the licence. £13 online. |
| Total (including DBS) | £355 | £358 | £160 | £160 |
*this includes £22.60 towards the Demand Survey and £8 for maintenance of TV monitor. The proposed will change to £23 towards the Demand Survey and £8 for maintenance of TV monitor.
| Current | Proposed | |
|---|---|---|
| Initial application |
£243 for three years £146 for one year. |
£249 for three years. £149 for one year. |
| Disclosure barring service search fee |
£44 every one or three years depending on the licence. £13 online. |
£40 every one or three years depending on the licence. £13 online. |
| Total |
£287 for three years. £190 for one year. |
£289 for three years. £189 for one year. |
| Current | Proposed | |
|---|---|---|
| Renewal |
£238 for three years £128 for one year due to age or medical |
£244 for three years. £131 for one year due to age or medical |
| Disclosure barring service search fee |
£44 every one or three years depending on the licence. £13 online. |
£40 every one or three years depending on the licence. £13 online. |
| Total |
£287 for three years. £190 for one year. |
£289 for three years. £189 for one year. |
| Application type | Current | Proposed |
|---|---|---|
| New and renewals | £352 | £301 |
Vehicle testing fees have been removed from our fees and are now paid directly to the Garage.
| Application type | Current | Proposed |
|---|---|---|
| New and renewals | £324 | £279 |
Vehicle testing fees have been removed from our fees and are now paid directly to the Garage.
| Type | Current | Proposed |
|---|---|---|
| 5 year application | £475 | £509 |
| 5 year renewal | £415 | £425 |
| 3 year application | £348 | £356 |
| 3 year renewal | £282 | £289 |
| 1 year application | £200 | £205 |
| 1 year renewal | £133 | £136 |
| Type | Current | Proposed |
|---|---|---|
| Change of ownership of licenced vehicle | £72 | £73 |
| Replace external vehicle plate | £24 | £25 |
| Replace driver badge | £11 | £11 |
| Replace internal plate holder | £1.75 | £1.75 |
| Copy of existing paper licence | £12 | £12 |
| Change of address for a replacement licence | £12 | £12 |
| Change of name for a vehicle or operators licence | £12 | £12 |
| Change of name and address for a drivers badge | £22 | £22 |
| Vehicle exemption certificate or general admin fee | £46 | £47 |
| Vehicle re-test | £49 | testing fees are now paid to a garage. |
The knowledge test costs £33 per test.
| Application Type | Three Year Cost | One Year Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Initial application | £319 for three years* | £134 for one year |
| Disclosure Barring Service search fee |
£44 every one or three years depending on the licence £13 if it's done online |
£44 every one or three years depending on the licence £13 if it's done online |
| Total | £363 | £178 |
*includes £22.60 towards the Demand Survey and £8 for maintenance of a TV monitor
| Application Type | Three Year Cost | One Year Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Renewal | £311 for three years* | £116 for one year |
| Disclosure Barring Service search fee |
£44 every one or three years depending on the licence £13 if it's done online |
£44 every one or three years depending on the licence £13 if it's done online |
| Total | £355 | £160 |
*includes £22.60 towards the Demand Survey and £8 for maintenance of a TV monitor
| Application Type | Three Year Cost | One Year Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Initial application | £243 | £146 |
| Disclosure Barring Service search fee |
£44 every one or three years depending on the licence £13 if it's done online |
£44 every one or three years depending on the licence £13 if it's done online |
| Total | £287 | £190 |
| Application Type | Three Year Cost | One Year Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Renewal | £238 | £128 |
| Disclosure Barring Service search fee |
£44 every one or three years depending on the licence £13 if it's done online |
£44 every one or three years depending on the licence £13 if it's done online |
| Total | £282 | £172 |
| Application Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| New | £352 |
| Renewal | £352 |
*includes £22.60 towards the Demand Survey and £8 for maintenance of a TV monitor
| Application Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| New | £324 |
| Renewal | £324 |
| Application Type | 1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial application | £200 | £348 | £497 |
| Renewal | £133 | £282 | £415 |
| Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Change of ownership of a licensed vehicle | £72 |
| Replace and external vehicle plate | £24 |
| Replace a driver badge | £11 |
| Replace internal plate holder | £1.75 |
| Copy of existing paper licence | £12 |
| Change of address details for a replacement licence | £12 |
| Change of name for a vehicle or operator licence | £12 |
| Change of name and address for a driver badge | £22 |
| Vehicle exemption certificate or general administration fee | £46 |
| Vehicle re-test | £49 |
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