Do I need a council licence to drive a taxi?

Yes. You need a hackney carriage or private hire driver licence from your local council, which includes an enhanced DBS check and usually a knowledge or driving test. Rules differ between councils, so check yours.

Should I put my badge number on my CV?

You do not need to. Say which council issued your licence and when it runs out, and give the number if the employer asks for it.

Can I apply if I do not know the area well yet?

Yes, but say how you are learning it, for example by working towards your council's knowledge test or by using satnav well alongside the landmarks you already know.

Taxi driver CV example

A strong taxi driver CV shows your licence status, local knowledge and how you look after passengers. It should also make clear that you are reliable, safe and trusted to work alone, with a clean driving record and a current enhanced DBS check.

Profile

Reliable taxi driver licensed by the local council, with strong local knowledge and a clean driving record. Experienced in airport runs, school contracts and late-night fares, always keeping the car spotless and passengers safe. Polite and patient with passengers of all ages, including people who need extra help.

Experience

Private Hire Driver

a town-centre taxi firm

Completed around 25 pre-booked and dispatched fares a day, including airport and station transfers

Drove school and hospital contract runs, arriving on time and helping passengers with bags and walking aids

Checked the car before each shift, including tyres, lights and cleanliness, and kept the vehicle log up to date

Took card and cash payments and kept accurate records of every fare

Stayed calm with late-night passengers and reported any incidents to the office straight away

Delivery Driver

a local takeaway

Delivered hot food on time across town using a satnav and good local knowledge

Handled cash payments and handed in the float correctly each night

Kept the vehicle tidy and reported faults promptly

Dealt politely with customers at the door, including when orders ran late

Example · fictional candidate · Prism design · Use this design

Tips for a taxi driver CV

State whether your licence is hackney carriage or private hire, and which council issued it
Mention your enhanced DBS check and any safeguarding or disability awareness training, especially for school and hospital contracts
Include local knowledge that matters to the firm, such as airport, station and hospital routes
Say how long you have held your driving licence and confirm it is clean, or state any points plainly
Show that you look after your vehicle: daily checks, cleanliness and service records
Name any booking apps or radio dispatch systems you have used

Applying with a cover letter? See our taxi driver cover letter example.