TAXI
LICENSING
SOLICITORS BOLTON

Bolton Taxi Licensing Rules: What Every Driver Should Know

Private hire taxi licensing rules can vary slightly between Bolton, Bury, and Manchester, but there are many key rules that every driver should understand.

First, all private hire drivers must be licensed by their local council.

This usually means passing background checks, medical assessments, and meeting driving standards.

You must also hold the correct private hire driver badge and only work for licensed operators in the area that issued your licence.

One important rule is that private hire vehicles must be pre-booked through an operator. Unlike hackney taxis, you cannot pick up passengers from the street or ranks.

Your vehicle must also meet council standards, which often include regular vehicle checks, insurance requirements, and displaying the correct plates. Councils may also require CCTV, vehicle age limits, or specific safety features. Drivers are expected to follow strict conduct rules.

This includes being polite to passengers, keeping vehicles clean, reporting changes such as medical conditions or convictions, and renewing licences on time. Failure to follow these rules can lead to warnings, suspensions, or licences being revoked. Each council may also have its own policies on points on your driving licence, criminal history, and fitness to drive. Rules can change, and what is allowed in one area may not be the same in another. That is why drivers working in Bolton, Bury, or Manchester should always keep up to date with their local council’s requirements.

Understanding the rules helps protect your badge, your income, and your reputation as a professional driver.

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We’re based in Bolton (Greater Manchester), but help clients in the North West and throughout the UK.

Bolton (Head Office)

Hamill House
112-116 Chorley New Road
Bolton
BL1 4DH

Burnley Office

Northbridge House
Elm Street Business Park
Elm Street
Burnley, BB10 1PD

Call us today on

01204 565 234

Call us today on

01282 575 234

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