Taxi Driver Online

Don't know why I bothered fannying around with all the formatting etc here

I mean, these appear every now and again, but they're always broadly similar. On the other hand, plenty of detail and nuances if they're looked at closely. Because, of course, the nuance and detail is what keeps local bureaucracies going, even if it's just nuance and detail for the sake of it

For example, allowing executive drivers a little more flexibility to do non-executive work

Which is presumably about the display of PH plates, etc, but would be interesting to know how they word and intend to enforce this relaxation, since the exemption is generally a difficult area to define and enforce in the first place. But can't be bothered looking...

But maybe the bit that stood out was that landlines no longer required - but I'd assume that's pretty standard by now in England, and I just haven't noticed?

Anyway, I wouldn't bother with the YouTube video, which just seems a video version of the text, but in an annoying voice and with irritating delivery.

(And do people really say WAV as in W-A-V, or say it as WAV as like the word wave but without the 'e'? I'd always assumed the latter, although it's not something I ever really, er, verbalise, as opposed to write down )

Like those Minicabbit advertising videos that constantly appear now when I'm on YouTube, because of a bit of Google searching I did weeks ago, which are delivered by someone with a very annoying, er, accent

Anyway, ignoring the detail, the vehicle stuff seems to be pretty standard now - relaxing age rules, but more emphasis on emissions etc, while moving towards compulsory WAVs for HC plates.


Changes to our hackney carriage and private hire policy from 1 September 2026

https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/park ... re-policy/

We’re updating our hackney carriage and private hire taxi licensing policy on 1 September 2026 to make travel:

• safer
• more accessible
• better for the environment

Watch a video about the changes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYyboEBFiCU

Applying and renewing

From 1 September, we are making it simpler to apply for (and renew) a hackney carriage taxi or private hire licence.

Drivers will need:

• 12 months of driving experience (with a full GB licence)
• to be 21 or over (with limited exceptions for under 21s)
• a medical check from their GP or an approved provider (full medical history will only be required for the first medical)
• proof of working in Buckinghamshire (for hackney carriage drivers)
• a certificate of good conduct if they’ve lived abroad for 12 months or more in one country in the last 10 years

Vehicle rules

Vehicle rules are also changing from 1 September, including these changes:

• most vehicles will be able to be licenced for 12 years instead of 10 years
• wheelchair accessible and low emission vehicles may be licensed for 15 years
• greater flexibility to advertise on vehicles

Changes to Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAV) include:

• any new hackney carriages taxis must be wheelchair accessible (once the current vehicle reaches its age limit)
• existing wheelchair accessible vehicles can stay on the road for 15 years
• vehicles that meet new enhanced WAV requirements may be licensed for longer than 15 years

To improve air quality:

• all licensed vehicles will need to meet Euro 6 emissions standards at first licence
• from 2035, all licensed vehicles applications must be ultra low or zero emission at first licence
• existing licensed vehicles can continue operating until they reach their age limit

View more information about the changes if you're a hackney carriage vehicle licence holder.

Other changes

Other changes will include:

• new approach to dealing with driver DVLA points
• a new zero-tolerance declaration on abuse
• mandatory contactless payment options for customers for all journeys
• safeguarding and disability awareness training for customer facing operator staff
• no requirement for operators to provide a local landline number
• more flexibility for executive drivers to do occasional non-executive work

These changes will help to create a taxi hackney carriage and private hire service that’s safer, more accessible, and better for the environment.

Existing rules still apply

Until the new Policy starts on 1 September 2026, the current Policy will still apply.

Every licence application and decision will continue to be judged on its own merits and on the facts of the case.

You can view a copy of the new policy now.

If you have a question

If you have any questions about these changes, email taxilicensing@buckinghamshire.gov.uk