Sefton Council Taxi Driver Licensing Explained

Navigating the process of becoming a licensed taxi driver in Sefton can seem like a labyrinth of requirements and documentation. Sefton Council has recently updated its procedures, introducing new fees and refining the assessment criteria to ensure all applicants are fit and proper to operate as taxi drivers within the borough. This guide aims to demystify the application process, detailing each step, the necessary preparations, and what to expect along the way. Whether you're a seasoned professional looking to renew or a newcomer eager to start, understanding these changes is crucial for a smooth application.

New Driver Application Fee and Timescales

As of 25th November 2024, a new, non-refundable application fee of £50 has been introduced for all new driver licence applications. This fee is designed to cover the administrative costs associated with processing your application, regardless of the outcome. It's important to note that this payment cannot be refunded under any circumstances. In terms of processing times, applications received up to 31st July 2025 should have been contacted by the council. For those submitted from 1st August 2025 onwards, reviews are ongoing, and applicants will be contacted via email once the assessment is complete. Sefton Council advises patience, as the page is regularly updated with the latest timescales.

The Application Process: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

Sefton Council conducts a thorough assessment to determine an applicant's suitability. This involves several checks, and while the list provided isn't exhaustive, it covers the primary requirements:

Pre-Requirements: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

Before you even begin your online application, ensure you have all the necessary evidence ready. This includes:

• Photocard Driving Licence: You'll need to upload images of both the front and back of your current photocard driving licence.
• Driving Experience: Applicants must have held a driving licence, granted under Part III of the Road Traffic Act 1988, for a minimum of 12 months. This includes licences issued in both the UK and EEA.

Key Checks and Documentation Required

The core of the application lies in a series of checks designed to verify your identity, history, and suitability:

1. Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check: Sefton Council exclusively accepts Enhanced DBS Certificates that include checks against the Vulnerable Adults Barred List and Vulnerable Child Barred List. If you don't have a current certificate and subscription, you can apply through TaxiPlus. Holding an enhanced DBS certificate with the relevant barred list access, subscribed to the DBS Update Service, can significantly expedite your application. You'll need to provide your certificate, and any convictions will be considered in line with the Council's published Convictions Policy and any applicable disqualification periods.
2. Register with the DBS Update Service: It is a mandatory condition of your licence that you subscribe to and maintain your subscription with the DBS Update Service (available via crbonline.gov.uk). This is an annual subscription that requires renewal each year. You must register within 28 calendar days of your DBS certificate's issue date. Crucially, you must retain your original certificate to allow for future checks via the update service.
3. DVLA Check: Your driving entitlement and history will be verified using an online code generated by you. You can request this code via the Government website or by calling the DVLA on 0300 790 6802. It is imperative that you disclose all cautions, convictions, and pending matters; any omissions could lead to your licence being refused. Refer to the Convictions Policy within the Licensing Handbook for detailed guidance.
4. Right To Licence Check: A check will be performed to confirm your legal right to live and work in the UK. This can be proven either by a document check or by obtaining an electronic check code. You must provide copies of documents from List A or List B of the 'Right to Work Annexe A' to demonstrate your eligibility. Alternatively, a check code obtained from the Government website can be used.
5. Medical Check: A satisfactory full vocational (DVLA Group II) medical examination is required. This can be obtained from your own GP, a GP at another practice, or any GMC-registered doctor who has access to your full medical records. Medicals are mandatory upon initial licensing, at ages 45, 55, 65, and every three years thereafter. The Sefton medical form is available for download. Medical certificates are only valid if they are less than four months old at the time of application submission. It's your responsibility to ensure all checks and tests, including the Knowledge Test pass, are completed in time for your licence to be issued within four months of your medical examination. If your medical expires before your licence is issued, you will need to obtain a new one at your own expense, as Sefton Council will not be liable for any financial losses incurred due to expired medicals.
6. Conditionality Check: This check verifies that you are registered and have declared licensing income to HMRC, where applicable. You will need to produce a tax code if you are renewing a licence, applying for a licence of the same type previously held (which ceased to be valid less than a year ago), or applying for the same type of licence you already hold with another licensing authority. Guidance on obtaining a tax code can be found on the GOV.UK 'Complete a tax check' webpage.

Submitting Your Application and The Knowledge Test

7. Submit Your Application: Once you have satisfied all the preceding checks, you can submit your application and supporting evidence through the Council's online portal. At this stage, you will be required to pay the new £50 application fee (effective from 25th November 2024). After submission, you will be contacted via email once all required steps are complete. It is advised not to contact the council during this period to avoid hindering the processing.
8. Attend Your One Stop Shop Appointment: If your application is deemed complete and satisfactory, you will receive an invitation via email to attend an appointment at the Bootle One Stop Shop. You must bring all original documents that you uploaded with your application. This includes your original DBS certificate subscribed to the update service. Copies, phone images, or internet printouts will not be accepted.
9. The Knowledge Test: Following the successful review of your application and documentation, you will be invited to take a Knowledge Test. This test is based on the information contained within the Licensing Handbook, which will be available to you during the test. Applicants whose licences expired less than two years ago are exempt from retaking the test. The test comprises ten questions, and a pass mark of at least seven correct answers is required. Questions are categorised by subject, and the handbook includes an index to help you locate answers quickly. For example, information on 'Guide Dogs' might be found in the section indicated by the index as being on page 66 of the handbook.

The Mitigation Process

Sefton Council operates a mitigation process to allow applicants an opportunity to address any issues that might arise during the checks. If any check reveals information that could potentially lead to a licence refusal, you will be given the chance to submit further information, including explanations of the circumstances and character references. This ensures a fair and comprehensive assessment of each applicant's suitability.

Summary of Key Changes and Considerations

The introduction of the £50 application fee is a significant change for new applicants. Furthermore, the emphasis on having a subscribed DBS certificate and the detailed requirements for the medical check highlight the Council's commitment to thorough vetting. Remember that medical certificates have a strict validity period, and it is the applicant's responsibility to ensure their application is processed before their medical expires. The Knowledge Test remains a critical component, testing your understanding of the Sefton licensing regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Sefton Council charge for a Class 4 MOT test?

The provided information does not mention any charges for Class 4 MOT tests. The focus is solely on taxi driver licensing.

How does Sefton Council make licensing decisions?

Sefton Council makes licensing decisions based on a comprehensive assessment of the applicant's suitability, which includes checks on their driving licence, DBS status, DVLA history, right to work, medical fitness, and tax compliance, as well as the outcome of the Knowledge Test. The mitigation process also allows applicants to provide further information regarding any potential issues.

What is the fee for a new driver application?

The fee for a new driver application is £50, introduced from 25th November 2024. This fee is non-refundable.

How long is a medical certificate valid for?

Medical certificates are valid for four months from the date of issue.

Do I need to retake the Knowledge Test if my licence has expired?

You do not need to retake the Knowledge Test if your last licence expired by less than two years.

What if my medical expires before my licence is issued?

If your medical expires before your licence is issued, you will be required to pay for and obtain a new medical examination. Sefton Council is not responsible for any financial losses incurred due to an expired medical.