Luton Borough Council

COVID-19 updates for licensing – private hire and hackney driver licences

Public counter provisions - closed

Licensing service public counter and including licensing staff public counter at Kingsway depot is closed for day to day business permanently.

The Licensing Service can be contacted on 01582 546040 between 9am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday or by emailing [email protected].

All applications are to be processed via electronic facilities and the council’s online portals should be used.

We strongly advise that you continue to maintain your licences and take the appropriate time to submit your full, completed application form(s) online prior to the expiry of your existing licence to avoid being unlicensed and unnecessary concerns during this time.

All licences, plates and badges will be posted. Please ensure that applications are submitted to allow the appropriate time for these to be processed and posted prior to licences expiring.

Private Hire & Hackney Carriage vehicle damage appointments

Due to the current changing situation with COVID-19, we've taken the decision not carry out routine vehicle damage or vehicle repair checks at this time until further notice.

We advise you to continue to use the online service for reporting any damage to your licensed vehicle, following the usual procedures and within the conditional timescales on your licence as usual.

It may be required that we contact you for further images/pictures of your vehicle in these circumstances to ensure we can review the full extent of the damage and or repair to your vehicle.

Apologies for the inconvenience at this time.

Private hire and Hackney carriage driver(s)

In order to submit an application for private hire and hackney carriage driver’s licence, you will need to meet ALL supporting documentation required, this includes a DVLA Group 2 medical standards medical certificate completed by your GP. .

Knowledge Test bookings

Private Hire and Hackney Carriage knowledge Tests have now resumed. The knowledge tests have been changed to be conducted remotely and applicants will need access to a computer (PC, tablet device) and be able to navigate the device to conduct a video call for security checks before the test and prior to being emailed the information to take the knowledge test.

DBS verification process

The (DBS) disclosure and barring service process are relaxing requirements for an interim period in light of the changes due to coronavirus COVID 19. Applicants now do not need to go to the post office to get documents verified. Documents can now just be scanned and sent direct to personnel checks. Personnel checks will provide full guidance on this.