Renfrewshire Council

Private hire car driver licence

How to apply, what documents you need, how much the licence costs, criteria, how long an application takes, who is consulted, objections and representations, conditions of the licence, how long the licence lasts for.

If you want to work as a private hire car driver in Renfrewshire, you must have a licence.

To apply you must:

  • be at least 21-years-old
  • have held a current driving licence entitling you to drive in the UK for a continuous period of 12 months immediately prior to applying.

How to apply for a licence

We now accept  private hire car driver licence applications online, including the use of electronic signatures.

You can apply, upload and sign for your supporting documents and pay for the licence online.

Apply for a private hire car driver licence

You can see the Council's policy on electronic licensing applications in Appendix 1 of the report to  the Regulatory Functions Board meeting on 15 September 2022.

See the guidance notes and conditions of the licence [290KB] .


What documents you need to provide

You need to provide these documents with your application:

  • two coloured passport photographs (either in JPEG format or if you are submitting original photographs you must write your full name on the back)
  • your full driving licence (photocard and counterpart). Your driving licence must show your current home address;
  • evidence of entitlement to work in the UK
  • a check on previous convictions for applicants seeking a new licence, who were born or have been resident outside of the UK for six months or more.

See the guidance notes and conditions of the licence [290KB] .


How much the licence fee is

See the civic application fees page for taxi licence and driver fees.


How long your application will take

All applications made under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 must be considered within three months. A decision must be made within nine months.


Who is consulted about your application

A copy of your application will be sent to Police Scotland. They will carry out their own investigations and report back to the licensing section.


If there is an objection or representation to your application

If an objection or representation is received the application must be considered at a Regulatory Functions Board meeting. You will be formally invited to attend. A copy of the letter will be sent to you with the citation.


What the conditions of your licence are

A copy of the conditions will be sent to you once your taxi licence has been granted.

You are required to have a full understanding of these conditions. These conditions form part of your licence and must be kept.

Renfrewshire Council has a dress code for drivers.


How long the licence lasts for

Applications for the grant of a licence generally last for a year. Applications to renew an existing licence are normally granted for a two-year period.