Craven District Council's taxi licensing service has a responsibility to ensure that drivers, proprietors and operators of hackney carriage and private hire vehicles are fit and proper persons to hold such licences.

Accordingly, hackney carriages, private hire cars, their drivers and operators are licensed by the council annually.

Before a hackney carriage or private hire licence is issued applicants must  have held a European drivers licence for at least 5 years. In addition, they need to pass the additional Driving Standards Agency's Taxi Drivers' Test. Click on the links to the right to see the Register of drivers who have passed this test.

Completed application forms should be returned in person to the Licensing Section, The Council Offices, Granville street, Skipton together with the following -

1. Current Full European Driving Licence
2. DSA Certificate
3. Three passport style photographs of applicant
4. Completed Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure (CRB)
5. A full medical certificate in the prescribed form, issued by your own Doctor
6. Appropriate fee

Applicants will then undergo three tests, namely a "knowledge" test of the Craven District, and a reading and writing test. (For full detail see links to Rules, Regulations & Procedures)

Before a hackney carriage or private hire vehicle is licenced by the Authority it must undergo and pass a vehicle examination/test arranged by the Licensing Section at the authority's Testing Station, Engine Shed Lane, Skipton.(For full detail see links to Rules, Regulations & Procedures)

The whole licensing process is designed for the safety of the public by ensuring that the vehicles we license are safe, reliable and efficient and that the drivers we licence are 'fit and proper'.

The council only sets Hackney Carriage Fares, but private hire cars usually charge the same. A fare card giving details of the charges will be displayed inside each vehicle and a taximeter will automatically calculate the fare. Passengers should refer to the fare chart to see if the correct fare is being charged

Taxi's

1. There are two types of vehicle licence we issue, these are for Hackney Carriages and Private Hire vehicles.
2. The main difference between the two types of vehicle is that a Hackney Carriage can be flagged down and can wait at designated taxi ranks whereas a Private Hire vehicle must be pre-booked by telephone or personal call.

Hackney Carriage

1. A Hackney Carriage can park on an authorised taxi rank
2. It will display a purple and white plate on the  rear of the vehicle. Within the Craven District Council area it can ply for hire or be hailed by prospective passengers.
3. It must be driven by a licensed Hackney Carriage Driver at all times whether or not the vehicle is working
4. It has an official fare meter
5. Remember this is the only type of vehicle that can stop and pick you up if you hail one in the street

Private Hire vehicle

1. It must be pre-booked with a licensed Private Hire Operator
2. It will display a red & white plate on the  rear of the vehicle. It cannot stand on a rank and cannot ply for hire.
3. It must not operate independently from a Private Hire Operator
4. A Private Hire vehicle must only be driven by a licensed Private Hire driver
5. There are no regulations which govern fares in Private Hire vehicles. Whilst the fare can be agreed with the operator prior to the journey commencing, the fares for most private hire vehicles are now metered in the same way that hackney carriages are.
6. Remember, these cars cannot wait for passengers at taxi ranks or be hailed in the streets. Be wary if one stops for you if you haven't booked it. It will not be insured to carry you.
7. Both types of vehicle are subject to mechanical testing and all vehicle documents are checked including appropriate insurance prior to the licence being issued.

Operators of Private Hire Vehicles

1. As explained above, all Private Hire Vehicles must be pre-booked through an operator licensed by the Council. These licences are only issued to operators who are fit and proper persons who understand the relevant laws. Licensed operators must ensure that drivers and vehicles used by them comply with all licence conditions and are responsible for providing a safe and courteous service to their clients.

Drivers of Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles

Drivers licences are only issued by the Council after the driver has been checked to ensure that he or she:

1. Has a valid driving licence
2. Is a fit and proper person
3. Understands the relevant law
4. Has a good knowledge of the Craven District Council area

All licensed drivers must wear an identification badge, which includes a photograph of the bearer.

Your rights as a passenger

1. When you hire a taxi or pre-book a private hire vehicle you have certain rights. These are:
2. The driver of a Hackney Carriage must only charge the fare that is shown on the meter or a lower amount. Under no circumstances can they charge more than the Tariff amounts.
3. The fare for a Private Hire Vehicle may be agreed with the Private Hire Operator before the journey or if fitted, on a meter.
4. The driver must comply with your instructions as to route etc.
5. The driver must take you to your destination by the shortest possible route.
6. When requested, the driver should assist in loading and unloading luggage and should also carry it to or from a house, station or place where the passengers are taken up or set down.

In case of complaint

1. Check fare shown on meter
2. Note the driver’s badge number
3. Note the vehicle licence plate number
4. Note time, date and place
5. Contact the Council

Assistance Dogs

1. Carriage of Guide, Hearing and Other Assistance Dogs in Taxis
2. Licensed taxi and private hire drivers are required to carry guide, hearing and certain other assistance dogs accompanying disabled people, and to do so without any additional charge.