Welcome to the Taxi Times, a newsletter for the taxi trade showing updates on legislation, policy and enforcement.
In this edition of the Taxi Times we’ve got information on:
- DBS online update service
- DFT Consultation on Taxi and Private Hire
- Available Hackney Carriage vehicle licences
- New vehicle inspection viewing screen
- New webpage and form
- Wheelchair-accessible vehicle training
- Contacting the Taxi Licensing Team
We welcome your feedback. If you have any topics you’d like raised in this newsletter contact the Licensing Team with any comments.
DBS online update service
A condition of renewing your driver’s licence is having an up-to-date Disclosure and Barring Service [DBS] check.
- Sign up to the online DBS update service
Our Taxi Licensing Policy says that you must subscribe to it, so your status check can be carried out more quickly and you will get the outcome more quickly.
A subscription to this service is annual and will save you money.
If you're due or are renewing your DBS, you must subscribe to the Online DBS service when you receive your certificate.
DFT Consultation on Taxi and Private Hire
The Department for Transport (DfT) is asking for feedback on making all Local Transport Authorities (LTAs) in England responsible for taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) licensing.
The consultation focuses on the impact this would have on:
- local authorities
- taxi and PHV businesses
- passengers
This consultation follows publication of the English Devolution White Paper - Power and partnership: Foundations for growth.
Take part in the DfT’s consultation before midnight on 1 April 2026:
Available Hackney Carriage vehicle licences
We have 2 hackney carriage vehicle licences available for issue for low emission wheelchair accessible vehicles.
If you're interested in details on the type and conditions attached to the licenses and how to apply for one, contact us on email: licensing@york.gov.uk.
New vehicle inspection viewing screen
Vehicle drivers and owners asked us if they could watch their vehicle’s inspection being carried out.
To enable you to do this from the warmth and comfort of the waiting area at Hazel Court, we've installed a CCTV camera in the test bay and a screen to watch it from.
New webpage and form
We've updated our webpages with information for new applicants, guidance for drivers, vehicle owners and operators.
We’ve also created new pages where you can pay for licensing services and download relevant forms. Residents can also find out more about taxi accessibility.
Wheelchair-accessible vehicle training
If you own or drive a licensed wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV), you must ensure that it is only driven by a licensed driver who has completed and passed the Driving Standards Agency wheelchair exercise or equivalent.
This training is compulsory and requires refresher training every three years to ensure that all current drivers remain up to date with current industry legislation and practice. If you own a WAV, please keep a copy of the driver’s certification.
See information on driving assessments and wheelchair assessments.
Contacting the Taxi Licensing Team
When you contact us, please give us your driver or vehicle licence number, so we can help you more quickly and give you a faster response.
If you have an appointment for a DBS check, we’ll email you with a list of items you’ll need to bring. Please make sure you have all the correct documents with you, as we won’t be able to complete the check without them.
Taxi Times
- Email: licensing@york.gov.uk
- Telephone: 01904 552422