How to become a minicab driver

To become a private hire driver or minicab driver you normally have to pass a test administered by the Driving Standards Agency. Depending on where you live the first thing to do is to go to your licensing authority which is usually the Town Hall where you live and get an application form. Different rules apply in different areas, but several things are the same.

You will have to obtain an Enhanced Disclosure form from the Criminal Records Bureau and normally you will be expected to have a clean driving licence. You will be assisted in doing this by the licensing agency. If you have a criminal record this does not automatically disbar you from becoming a minicab driver, as it depends on the seriousness of your conviction and how long ago it was. Equally if you have points on your driving licence it depends on the motoring offence and its seriousness, but again you will not be automatically disbarred from becoming a minicab driver.

The test for a minicab driver typically takes 35-40 minutes and will be in the conditions you would normally be expected to be driving in. In addition to being tested on your practical driving skills you will be asked specific questions about the best routes to take from A to B in your area and you will be expected to be able to describe a route from some of the main landmarks in that area. You will be asked questions related to the Private Hire Saloon Highway Code also. You will have to pay for this test and prices vary from city to city so you should check these out when you collect your application pack.

You will need to have a medical examination, and may be able to have this with your own GP or the licensing authority will specify a doctor for you to book an appointment with. A minicab driver needs to have a high standard of medical fitness just as does a bus or coach driver or a driver of a large goods vehicle. If you suffer from a serious heart disease, poor eyesight, epilepsy or insulin treated diabetes then these illnesses would disqualify you from becoming a licensed minicab driver.

You need to have had a full driving licence for at least a year and some licensing authorities want you to have had one for three years minimum. You will need to have a current full licence issued by the DVLA, Northern Ireland or European Economic Area (EEA).

Before you decide to go ahead with your application to be a minicab driver, you should do some research and try to find a job with a minicab company, as you don’t want to give up your job and then find that you can’t make ends meet as a minicab driver. There may already be more than enough in your area. Do some research and talk with private hire drivers to find out exactly what your financial position is likely to be.