Our shared licensing service is responsible for licensing taxis and private hire vehicles, their drivers, and private hire operators within Gravesham and Medway.

Taxi (Hackney Carriage)

Hackney Carriages, commonly known as taxis, can stand on a taxi rank, be hailed in the street, or be pre-booked; either directly or through a licensed operator. Both Gravesham and Medway taxis must display a WHITE plate on the back of the vehicle with a unique identity number for that particular vehicle, a smaller internal plate and an illuminated roof sign.

Only drivers with a Hackney Carriage driver licence can drive a Hackney Carriage vehicle. Gravesham Hackney Carriage drivers are ‘dual licenced’ which means they can also drive licensed private hire, or restricted private hire vehicles. The driver must wear/display a white/grey photographic ID badge with a unique number issued by us to show that they are a licensed driver.

See our Taxi (Hackney) fares page for detailed fare information.

Private Hire

Private Hire vehicles can only be booked through a licensed operator prior to the journey. They cannot stand on a taxi rank or be hailed in the street. Private Hire vehicles licensed by us must display a YELLOW plate on the rear with a unique identity number for that particular vehicle along with a smaller internal plate in the front windscreen.

Private Hire drivers can only drive a Private Hire vehicle or a Restricted Private Hire vehicle. The driver must wear/display a yellow photographic ID badge with a unique number issued by us to show that they are a licensed driver.

Restricted Private Hire

We also issue Restricted Private Hire vehicle licences. These can only be used for carrying out contracted school runs through a licensed operator. Restricted Private Hire vehicles licensed by us must display a GREEN plate on the rear with a unique identity number for that particular vehicle along with a smaller internal plate in the front windscreen.

Restricted Private Hire drivers can only drive a Restricted Private Hire vehicle. The driver must wear/display a green photographic ID badge with a unique number issued by us to show that they are a licensed driver.

Operators

Operators are the people, or companies, who take journey bookings. They too must be licensed. They often have offices, which people can go in to, to book a journey; although most can also be contacted by phone, email or through their website.

A private hire vehicle can only be dispatched to a customer by a private hire operator that holds a private hire operator licence.