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Rotherham Taxi Licence Guide

South Yorkshire

Information last checked: 28 August 2026

Private Hire DriverHackney Carriage Driver

This guide provides an overview of the requirements and procedures for obtaining a taxi or private hire driver licence through Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council (RMBC). Navigating the licensing process requires careful attention to detail and the completion of several mandatory qualifications.

Overview

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council is the regulatory body responsible for licensing all taxi and private hire drivers, vehicles, and operators within the borough [2]. The primary aim of the licensing regime is to ensure public safety by verifying that all drivers are "fit and proper" individuals. The process involves background checks, medical assessments, and professional qualifications to ensure a high standard of service [1, 16].

Licence types the council offers

The council typically issues two main types of driver licences:

  • Hackney Carriage Driver Licence: Allows the driver to operate a vehicle that can be hailed in the street or pick up passengers at a designated taxi rank.
  • Private Hire Driver Licence: Allows the driver to operate a vehicle that must be pre-booked through a licensed private hire operator [4, 15].
  • Combined Licence: Some councils offer a dual licence allowing for both, but for Rotherham, please confirm the current requirement with the relevant council [1].

Eligibility

To be eligible for a licence in Rotherham, applicants must demonstrate they are fit and proper persons. This includes having the right to work in the UK and meeting the council's standards regarding character and conduct. Applicants are expected to have read and understood the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy before applying [1, 5].

Driving licence requirements

Applicants must hold a full UK DVLA driving licence. A provisional licence is not sufficient [11]. As part of the application, you must provide a DVLA check code to allow the council to review your driving history [11]. Additionally, Rotherham requires applicants to pass an advanced driving skills test conducted to Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) standards [1].

DBS requirements

Public safety is paramount, so all applicants must undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check [3, 13]. This check reveals spent and unspent convictions, cautions, and other relevant police information. Once the council accepts your initial application, they will provide instructions on how to obtain your DBS certificate [3]. Drivers are also typically required to register for the DBS Update Service to allow for ongoing monitoring.

Medical requirements

Applicants must prove they are physically fit to drive a commercial vehicle. This requires a medical examination report completed by a qualified medical practitioner [1]. The assessment generally follows the "Group 2" medical standards, which are the same standards required for bus and lorry drivers. This includes checks on vision, cardiovascular health, and neurological conditions [9].

Knowledge test

All new applicants must pass the Rotherham driver knowledge test [5]. This assessment ensures that drivers are familiar with:

  • Local Geography: Identifying the most efficient routes between various locations, attractions, and venues within the borough.
  • Licensing Policy: Understanding the specific rules and conditions set by Rotherham Council.
  • Road Traffic Laws: Demonstrating a strong grasp of the Highway Code and safe driving practices [5, 6].

Topographical test

While some authorities refer to this separately, in Rotherham, topographical skills—the ability to navigate and understand local maps and routes—are integrated into the Knowledge Test [5]. You will be tested on your ability to identify road names and the areas you would pass through when travelling between two points [5].

Safeguarding and English requirements

Rotherham Council places a heavy emphasis on professional qualifications. Applicants must complete:

  • BTEC Level 2 Certificate: Specifically the "Introduction to the Role of the Professional Taxi and Private Hire Driver" [1].
  • Safeguarding Training: An approved course focused on protecting children and vulnerable people from harm and exploitation [1, 3].
  • English Proficiency: While the BTEC qualification often covers communication, for any additional specific English language testing, please confirm the current requirement with the relevant council.

Application process

The application process is strictly digital. Rotherham Council does not accept paper applications or submissions via email [3]. All applications must be started through the Council’s online portal [3, 4].

Typical stages

  1. Online Submission: Complete the initial application form and pay the relevant fee [4].
  2. Council Contact: A licensing officer will contact you once the application is accepted to provide DBS instructions [3].
  3. Assessments: Arrange and pass your medical exam, advanced driving test, and BTEC qualification [3].
  4. Testing: Book and pass the Knowledge Test and Safeguarding Awareness course [5].
  5. Document Upload: Provide all certificates and your DBS disclosure to the council for final review [3, 4].

Fees

Licensing fees are non-refundable and cover the cost of administration and enforcement. Because fees are subject to annual review, please confirm the current requirement with the relevant council regarding the exact cost for new applications and renewals [3, 4].

Renewal

Licences are not permanent and must be renewed periodically. The council will typically send a reminder, but it is the driver's responsibility to ensure they apply for renewal via the online form before their current licence expires [4]. Failure to renew on time may result in having to apply as a new driver again.

Common mistakes

  • Incomplete Documentation: Failing to have all required documents (DBS, Medical, BTEC) ready before starting the online form, which can lead to the session timing out [4].
  • Policy Ignorance: Not studying the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy before attempting the knowledge test [5].
  • Expired Documents: Allowing the DVLA licence or DBS update service to lapse during the application process.

What Smart Taxi Solutions can help with

Smart Taxi Solutions is an independent service provider dedicated to assisting drivers through the complexities of the licensing journey. We offer support in understanding requirements and preparing for the necessary steps. Please note that Smart Taxi Solutions does not issue licences; the final decision on all licensing matters rests solely with Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council.

What the council is responsible for

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council is the sole authority responsible for setting licensing policy, conducting knowledge tests, reviewing DBS disclosures, and issuing the actual driver badge and licence [2, 12]. They ensure that all trade members operate professionally and safely within the borough [16].

Official council website

For the most up-to-date information, forms, and policy documents, always refer to the official website: https://www.rotherham.gov.uk [7].

Information last checked: 28 August 2026.

Official Rotherham licensing page

Training & Licence Application Support

Smart Taxi Solutions provides independent application support and training coordination for taxi and private-hire licensing.

Where a recognised qualification or specialist training is required, we arrange training through the relevant training academy or authorised training provider. Customers may be required to attend the training provider's premises for classroom, practical training or assessments.

Any qualification or certificate is issued by the relevant awarding organisation, where applicable, and any taxi/private-hire licence is issued by the relevant licensing authority.

Smart Taxi Solutions does not issue qualifications, certificates or taxi/private-hire licences and cannot guarantee examination or licensing outcomes. Our role is to provide application support, document assistance and training coordination throughout the process.

Need help preparing your Rotherham application? Smart Taxi Solutions provides application support, document preparation and test preparation. View our services or contact us.