Private Hire Operator's Licence
An individual, company or similar, who in the course of their business allows and accepts bookings for a private hire vehicle must hold a private hire operator's licence.
A private hire operator licensed by us may only operate a private hire vehicle which has been licensed by us. Likewise, the private hire vehicle may only be driven by a South Somerset District Council licensed private hire driver. All three licences (operator, vehicle and driver) must be issued by the same authority.
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Duration of licence
When it has been issued, the private hire operator's licence will be valid for 5 years.
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How do I apply for an operator's licence?
To apply for a private hire operator's licence you will need to:
Complete the application form
You can view our privacy notice here
Complete the supplementary questionnaire
Submit relevant documentation
- Right to work in the UK documentation
- Basic disclosure certificate. If one or more of the applicants aren't South Somerset District Council licensed hackney carriage/private hire drivers, they will need to submit a basic disclosure with their application.
Pay the application fee.
Private Hire Operators are required to have the following:
- A policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders
- A register of staff responsible for booking and dispatching vehicles and the licence holder must see the results of a basic disclosure for each member of staff.
The Licence Holder(s) must provide a basic disclosure certificate annually (the certificate must not be more than 3 months old at the time it is presented).
Licence Holders must inform the customer if the vehicle used to fulfil the booking is a public service vehicle (PSV)