Private Hire Operator Licence

A Private Hire Operator Licence is required by any person who runs a business in West Lindsey which involves accepting or inviting bookings for private hire vehicles.

Once licensed, an Operator can employ and/or sub-contract an unlimited number of licensed vehicles.  A licensed private hire driver cannot accept any bookings unless he either holds an Operator licence or works for a licensed private hire operator. An operator may pass a booking to another licensed private hire operator provided that both are licensed. The contract between a customer and Operator is always deemed to have been made with the initial Operator, regardless of any subsequent passing on of that booking. 

Before an Operator licence is granted the applicant must satisfy the council that they are a fit and proper person to hold a licence and that the address from which they intend to operate is suitable and any necessary planning permissions have been obtained.  When an Operator intends to work from home any requirement for planning consent will take into account the number of vehicles to be operated from the address.

If you are an owner or driver of a private hire vehicle licensed by West Lindsey  you may work for any existing Operator licensed in West Lindsey. However, if you wish to apply for your own licence to operate from premises which will be used as a booking office, you need to obtain planning permission from the council allowing use of the building.

Public Liability Insurance is required where the public have access to the premises (such as a waiting room or similar) However, where no public access or waiting facilities are provided or if you wish to operate your own vehicle from home, this insurance is not necessary.

Applications will not be accepted without production of the above. A licence lasts for 5 years.

infobox | Taxi or private hire complaints

To report any problems with licensed drivers, vehicles or operators please provide details of your complaint in writing to the Licensing team using our  complaint form [pdf / 88 KB] in the downloads section.

text | Private Hire Operator Licence 01

Tax Checks

From 4 April 2022 all new applicants need to read HMRC's guidance about tax responsibilities and confirm awareness of it by completing the declaration within our application form. Existing operators who apply to renew their licence will need to complete a tax check online and provide us their check code within the application form.

text and button | Licensing Registers

Registers

Licensing registers are available to view using the following link.

Public Register

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To report any problems with licensed drivers, vehicles or operators please provide details of your complaint in writing to the licensing team, using the contact details below. Please include any licence numbers or company names to help us look into your concerns.

contact | Licensing
Licensing

West Lindsey District Council
Guildhall
Marshall’s Yard
Gainsborough
DN21 2NA
United Kingdom