What is a taxi driver assessment and do I need to complete one?
From 1 September 2022, any new driver must complete a driving proficiency assessment before we can issue you with a licence. The assessment with be delivered by Drivesafe for Transport for Greater Manchester.
The taxi river assessment cost £80 and last around 45 minutes. It includes:
The driving part of the assessment checks that you can start and stop smoothly, and can use the gears, brakes, steering, signalling and mirrors correctly. You will be asked to stop and start at the side of the road safely, and turn round in the road, as if you were driving a taxi. For more detail about the vehicle and driving checks, taxi driver assessment candidate information (Adobe PDF format) is available.
You can book the assessment online. If you have completed this assessment before you attend your pre-assessment, please bring evidence with you.
If you are renewing a driver licence, it is not compulsory to sit this assessment.
How do I apply for a private hire or Hackney Carriage badge?
To become a taxi driver with Salford City Council, you can make an application online.
The total cost for a licence application is £279, not including the fee that is paid to your GP for the medical report required once all tests have been completed.
How do I renew my private hire or Hackney Carriage badge licence?
You can book an appointment online to renew your badge.
If you are over the age of 64 you will need to contact licensing@salford.gov.uk to book your appointment.
How do I sign up to the DBS update Service?
All licensed drivers must sign up to the DBS update service and maintain that registration to allow Salford City Council to routinely check for new information. You can find out more information and how to sign up on the GOV.UK website.
Tips for registering and managing your online account
When registering your new account:
Help is available for managing your online account:
Find out how to reset your password:
If you continue having difficulties registering or logging into your account you can attend one of our local Gateway Centres for assistance:
I have changed my address. How do I update my licence?
You will need to make sure you have amended your DVLA licence before we can issue updated taxi licences.
Please send us a picture of your DVLA licence with the new address and we will update your badge and vehicle licences.
How do I obtain a tax share code?
The rules changed on 4 April 2022, for anyone applying for a licence for a:
If you’re an individual, company or any type of partnership you must complete a tax check if you’re:
You must provide a nine digit tax share code with your application. You can obtain the tax share code from the HMRC.
How do I apply to licence a new taxi vehicle with Salford?
You can apply for a new taxi vehicle licence online.
You will need to provide the full V5 document for your vehicle before your application can be accepted.
Please ensure your vehicle meets our taxi licensing standards before making your application. You can find more information about the minimum requirements for a new vehicle licence in our Taxi Licensing Policy.
How do I renew my taxi vehicle licence?
You can renew your vehicle online.
It costs £73 to renew a private hire vehicle and £147 to renew a Hackney Carriage vehicle. Once you have received approval for your vehicle you will need to go online to book a compliance test with VMS for an additional £50 (not including retests).
You will not be able to proceed with your vehicle test if you do not make the application to renew your vehicle beforehand.
My taxi vehicle has been in an accident. What do I do?
You need to report the accident to us within 72 hours of the accident occurring. You can report the accident online.
This form is only for the use of owners/drivers of Hackney Carriage or private hire vehicles licensed with Salford City Council.
How do I transfer a taxi vehicle licence?
If you have purchased a Hackney Carriage or private hire vehicle licensed with Salford from another driver, you will need to transfer the licence into your name.
Please complete the transfer form below and return it to Licensing by email to licensing@salford.gov.uk
Once the form has been received, we will contact you to make payment of the £10 fee over the phone by debit or credit card.
How do I get replacement taxi plates or insurance stickers?
Plates can be collected from the taxi testing station at the Turnpike depot.
Please call 0161 925 1042 between 8am and 4pm for more information.
I need advice on the type of vehicle I can put on as a Hackney Carriage or private hire
Vehicle Management Services (VMS) can give advice on all aspects of vehicle type and taxi policy.
Please call 0161 925 1042 between 8am and 4pm for more information.
How old can my vehicle be to be a Hackney Carriage or private hire vehicle?
Non-wheelchair accessible private hire vehicles
Non-wheelchair accessible private hire vehicles submitted for licensing for the first time must not be more than five years old from the date of first registration, or in the case of imported vehicles, from the date of manufacture. They cannot be more than ten years of age on renewal.
Hackney Carriage and wheelchair accessible private hire vehicles
Hackney Carriage vehicles and wheelchair accessible private hire vehicles submitted for licensing for the first time must not be more than seven years old from the date of first registration, or in the case of imported vehicles, from the date of manufacture. They cannot be more than fifteen years of age on renewal.
How do I apply for an operator’s licence?
You can apply to become an operator online.
Further information on operator’s licences can be found in our Taxi Licensing Policy.
How do I make a complaint about a taxi vehicle?
If the taxi vehicle is licensed with Salford City Council you can make a complaint online.
Please include as much information as possible regarding your complaint.
How do I see a list of all licensed taxi and private hire drivers and vehicles?
We have a list on our website where you can view taxi and private hire drivers and vehicles (Adobe PDF format). The list also tells you if the vehicles are wheelchair accessible.
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