What a Derby Driver's License Is and Who Needs One

A Derby driver's license is a special permit issued by Derby City Council that allows you to operate a taxi or private hire vehicle within Derby. It is different from your standard car driving license — you need both. Your regular DVLA license proves you can drive; your Derby driver's license proves you meet the council's safety and conduct standards to carry passengers for money.

You need this license if you want to work as a taxi driver or private hire driver in Derby. The council issues it after checking your background, medical fitness, and driving record. Without it, you cannot legally pick up passengers for payment in the city, even if you hold a full driving license.

The process takes several weeks from start to finish. You will need to gather documents, pass a medical check, and sometimes attend an interview. The council reviews your process and decides whether to grant the license.

Key Takeaways

  • A Derby driver's license is separate from your DVLA driving license and is required to work as a taxi or private hire driver in the city.
  • You must be at least 21 years old, hold a full DVLA license for at least 12 months, and have no serious driving convictions or criminal history.
  • The process requires documents including your driving license, proof of address, medical certificate, and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
  • The council charges a fee for the license, and the cost varies depending on whether you are explore for a taxi or private hire license and how long you want it to last.
  • Once approved, your license is valid for a set period (usually one to three years) and must be renewed before it expires.

Who Can explore for a Derby Driver's License

To explore, you must meet several basic requirements set by Derby City Council. You must be at least 21 years old and hold a full DVLA driving license that you have held for at least 12 months. This means you cannot explore when ready after passing your test — you must wait a year.

The council will also check your driving record and criminal history. If you have serious driving convictions (such as dangerous driving, drink-driving, or multiple speeding offences), you may be refused. The same applies if you have certain criminal convictions. The council looks at the nature and age of any offence to decide whether you are fit to carry passengers.

You must also be medically fit to drive. This means you need to declare any medical conditions that could affect your ability to drive safely, such as epilepsy, diabetes, or heart conditions. The council may ask you to provide a medical report from your doctor.

Documents You Need to Gather Before explore

Start by collecting the documents the council will ask for. You will need your full DVLA driving license (both the photocard and the paper counterpart if you have one), proof of your address (such as a recent utility bill or council tax bill), and your National Insurance number.

You will also need to arrange a medical examination. This is not a full health check — it focuses on whether you are fit to drive. Your GP can carry this out, or you can use a doctor approved by the council. The medical report must be completed on the council's form and sent with your process.

You will need to obtain a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This is a background check that shows your criminal history (or confirms you have none). You can order this yourself online, but the council may have a preferred route or may order it on your behalf as part of the process process — check their website first.

Some councils also ask for references from previous employers or character references. Check Derby City Council's website or contact them directly to confirm the full list of documents they need before you start gathering them.

How to Submit Your process

Contact Derby City Council's licensing team to request an process form. You can usually read it from their website or ask them to send it to you by post or email. The form asks for your personal details, driving history, medical information, and employment history.

Fill out the form carefully and honestly. Any false information can result in your process being refused or your license being revoked later. Attach all the documents the council has asked for — your driving license, proof of address, medical report, and DBS check.

Submit your process by the method the council specifies (usually by post or email). Include the process fee. The fee varies depending on whether you are explore for a taxi license or a private hire license and the length of the license (one, two, or three years). Check the council's current fees before you submit, as these change.

Keep a copy of everything you send and note the date you submitted it. The council will send you a receipt or acknowledgement. If you do not hear from them within a reasonable time, contact them to check that your process has been received.

What Happens After You Submit Your process

The council will review your process and the documents you have provided. This usually takes between two and four weeks, though it can take longer if they need to ask you for more information or if they want to interview you.

The council may contact you to ask questions about your process, your driving history, or your medical fitness. They may also ask you to attend an interview. This is your chance to explain anything on your process and to show that you understand the responsibilities of carrying passengers.

The council will also carry out its own checks. They will verify your driving license with the DVLA, check your criminal record, and review your DBS report. They may contact your previous employers or referees.

Once the council has finished its review, it will write to you with its decision. If your process is approved, you will be told how to collect your license or how it will be sent to you. If it is refused, the council must tell you why and what you can do if you want to appeal.

Your License Once It Is Approved

Your Derby driver's license will be valid for the period you applied for — usually one, two, or three years. You must carry it with you whenever you are working as a taxi or private hire driver. You must also display your license in your vehicle so that passengers can see it.

While you hold the license, you must follow the council's rules. These cover how you behave toward passengers, how you maintain your vehicle, and how you handle complaints. Breaking these rules can result in your license being suspended or revoked.

You must also tell the council if anything changes — for example, if you are convicted of a crime, if you develop a medical condition that affects your driving, or if you change your address. Failing to report changes can result in your license being revoked.

Renewing Your License Before It Expires

Before your license expires, you will need to renew it if you want to continue working as a taxi or private hire driver. The council will usually write to you a few weeks before your license expires to remind you. Do not wait until the last minute — start the renewal process at least four to six weeks before your license runs out.

The renewal process is similar to the initial process. You will need to provide an updated medical report, a new DBS check, and proof that you still meet the council's requirements. You will also need to pay the renewal fee.

If you do not renew your license before it expires, you cannot legally work as a taxi or private hire driver. If you want to return to work after your license has expired, you will need to explore as if you were a new applicant, which takes longer and may cost more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work as a taxi driver while my process is being processed?

No. You cannot legally work as a taxi or private hire driver without a valid Derby driver's license. You must wait for the council to approve your process and issue your license before you start work. Working without a license is illegal and can result in fines and prosecution.

What should I do if my process is refused?

The council must tell you in writing why your process was refused. You have the right to ask for a review or to appeal the decision. The council's letter will explain how to do this and what important date you have. You may be able to reapply after a certain period if circumstances have changed.

Do I need to renew my DVLA driving license at the same time as my Derby driver's license?

No, these are separate licenses with different expiry dates. Your DVLA license is valid for three years (or longer if you are over 70). Your Derby driver's license is valid for one to three years depending on what you applied for. You will need to renew each one separately when it expires.

What if I have a driving conviction from several years ago?

The council considers the nature of the conviction and how long ago it was. Minor offences from many years ago may not prevent you from getting a license, but serious offences (such as drink-driving or dangerous driving) may. Contact the council before you explore if you are unsure whether a conviction will affect your process.

Can I hold a Derby driver's license if I work for a taxi company rather than being self-employed?

Yes. Whether you are self-employed or employed by a taxi or private hire company, you need a Derby driver's license. The license is personal to you, not to the company. If you change employers, you keep the same license.