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Frequently Asked Questions

• Who can act as my character reference?
• How long does the process to become a taxi driver take?
• If I am successful in becoming a taxi driver what will happen next?
• If I fail in my application do I get any money back?

Who can act as my character reference?

A reference should be provided on the headed paper of the person giving the reference and be in a sealed envelope. One reference must be from your most recent or current employer and the other must be from a Member of Parliament, Justice of the Peace, Minister of Religion, a professionally qualified person e.g. Doctor, Lawyer, Engineer, a Local Councillor, Bank Officer, Established Civil Servant, Police Officer or a person of similar standing who has known you for at least two years and who is a Commonwealth citizen. References may be required to be verified and the referee will have to certify the photographs produced with the application are a true likeness of the person applying to be a taxi driver.
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How long does the process to become a taxi drive take?

The Licensing Section will always aim to deal with your application as quickly as it can but because it is reliant on other organisations to provide it with information the process can sometimes take longer than expected. Apart from in exceptional circumstances the Licensing Section will aim to determine all applications within six weeks of receipt of the application. An application will not be accepted, however, until all the relevant paperwork and full fee has been received.
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If I am successful in becoming a taxi driver what will happen next?

Once you receive your taxi driver's badge you are licensed to drive either a hackney carriage or a private hire vehicle. These vehicles must be licensed by Ashfield District Council although the vehicle that you drive does not necessarily have to be owned by you. Your badge is sent to you in the post along with your actual paper licence, which will include the Council's conditions that apply to all licensed drivers. It is important that you read and fully understand what the conditions require because if you are found to be breaking them it may result in your licence being suspended or even in some cases revoked. The drivers licence lasts one year and you will be sent a reminder for renewal eight weeks before the licence expires.
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If I fail in my application do I get any money back?

The application fee is a single fee that covers the whole of your application and is broken down into separate parts for administration and accountancy purposes only. The fee is non-refundable.

Please contact us if you require any further assistance or information.

Ashfield District Council
Licensing Section
Environment Directorate 
Council Offices
Urban Road
Kirkby-in-Ashfield
Nottinghamshire
NG17 8DA

Direct Telephone: 01623 457 589
Direct Fax: 01623 457 592
Email: licensing@ashfield-dc.gov.uk