Driver's License Regulations and Hackney Carriages

Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy

• Maidstone Borough Council's policy aims to protect the public
• A balance between reasonable access to services and stringent licensing conditions is crucial to ensure safety without unduly restricting participation in the market
• The policy considers costs and benefits to ensure licensing requirements are proportionate to the risks they aim to address.
• Licensing criteria include driver suitability, vehicle roadworthiness, environmental friendliness, and accessibility for disabled people.
• Drivers need to meet strict requirements, including a period of driving experience, driving ability assessments, medical checks, criminal background checks, and knowledge of the area.
• Vehicles need regular inspections to ensure roadworthiness and appropriate insurance coverage.
• The policy also includes provisions on complaints, enforcement, licensing staff training, and public information dissemination

Policy Review and Procedures

• Policy review includes a range of legislation, including Town Police Clauses Acts, Local Government Acts, Transport Acts, Crime and Disorder Act, Environmental Protection Act, Equalities Act, Road Traffic Acts, Health Act, and Human Rights Act
• Consultation with various parties such as representatives of Maidstone's licensed drivers and operators, trade groups, Ward Councillors, Town and Parish Councils, and local residents took place
• National standards for licensing and consultation were considered in the policy development
• Policy was originally adopted in December 2015 and is reviewed every 5 years, or with substantial legislative changes.

Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver Licenses

• Applicants must demonstrate honesty and trustworthiness
• Driving standards and medical fitness are required
• Relevant knowledge of the borough
• Understanding of English is required
• Criminal history must be disclosed

Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Licences

• Vehicles must meet minimum requirements for suitability in type, size, and design.
• The vehicle can't be confused with a Hackney Carriage.
• Suitable mechanical condition, safety, and comfort are paramount
• Insurance must comply with Road Traffic Act 1988.

Other Policy Components

• Policy has sections on Penalty Points schemes, taxi ranks, waiting on stands, plying for hire, and other specific considerations
• Details on various appendices for different aspects of the policy, including maps and supplementary information about standards, dress code, and special events vehicles, are available
• Online application forms are available, and scanned documents are allowed, although originals may be required for certain verifications.

Implementation

• The policy is reviewed every 5 years, or after significant legislative changes.
• The council expects immediate compliance with the new policy upon implementation.
• Online application forms are available for ease of submission and cost reduction for the licensing service.
• Original documents may be required for some applications and checks, such as DBS checks

Driver Licences - New and Renewal

• Requirements for obtaining a new hackney carriage or private hire driver's license are detailed in terms of honesty, trustworthiness, driving standards, medical fitness, criminal history, knowledge of the borough, and English language proficiency.
• Specific application forms, fees, and documentation required are outlined
• Applicants must meet with a licensing officer to complete the application process, with scans or photographs acceptable for accompaniment, but not as a replacement for the originals themselves.

Other Policy Components

• Information and guidance on determining suitability of applicants and licensees in hackney and private hire trades
• Various appendices containing detailed specifications, including particular dress code standards and vehicle requirements, are included.
• The policy contains details regarding the use of CCTV cameras, environmental considerations, seating capacity, and accessibility for disabled passengers.
• Information is included on the testing process for vehicles and drivers' licensing renewals.

Testing of Vehicles

• Vehicles are rigorously tested at designated locations for compliance with specified standards, based on their age and mileage.
• Testing frequency varies based on age and type of vehicle (e.g., Hackney Carriage vs. Private Hire); interim testing is also required during the license period.

Licensing Fees

• There are prescribed fees for all applicants (new, and renewals applications). The fees are reviewed annually and specified in accordance with the stated policy.
• No refunds are given for incomplete or unsuccessful applications

Additional Aspects

• The policy covers appeals procedures, including those to specific courts
• The policy specifies requirements for insurance, addressing matters such as public liability and specific vehicle/trailer insurance.
• Specific sections deal with various aspects such as taxi stands, how vehicles should be handled in relation to these stands, special events vehicles, and how to deal with incidents of lost or damaged property.
• The council outlines its position on policy amendments and who makes them.
• Various appendices cover additional aspects of the policy.