If you do not already have a private hire licence, to join Parkers, you will need to obtain one from Reigate and Banstead Borough Council, the local authority covering the area in which Parkers is based. This will cover you for all the assignments you undertake for Parkers.
Who can apply for a licence?
To apply for a private hire driver’s licence you must:
- Be 21 years old
- Hold a UK or equivalent driving licence for at least 12 months
- Have access to a valid email address
You will also need to complete an application form and provide supporting documents including:
- a recent (less than three months old) passport-sized photo.
- your driving licence (both the photo card and paper counterpart), showing your current UK address
- proof of your right to work in the UK (e.g. a passport and visa)
- proof of identification necessary to start a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS – this organisation has replaced the Criminal Records Bureau) application online (e.g. a current valid passport, driving licence, two proofs of current address)
- complete the DBS application online at home. Once all checks are completed, the DBS will post your certificate to you and tell the council if it contains any information relevant to your application (e.g. convictions, cautions)
- supply a medical report provided by your registered doctor (licensed drivers must meet a medical standard equivalent to the DVLA Group 2 medical standard for vocational drivers)
- pass a knowledge test covering issues including the ability to read a map and plan a route; dealing with money and fares; the Highway Code.
For a first application, for a three-year private hire licence, the fee in Reigate and Banstead is currently £274 and for a renewal the cost is £257.
For more information on Parkers’ taxi and executive driver opportunities in Surrey, London and the South East, please contact us on 01737 224545 or at info@parkersdrive.co.uk or complete our application form.
