Government introduces document check for taxi and private hire drivers

People applying for licences to drive taxis or private hire cars will from the start of December have to show that they have the right to work in the UK.

This will mean visiting Orkney Islands Council’s offices in Kirkwall for a document check by the local authority’s licensing team.

The requirement follows the introduction of new country-wide legislation aimed at preventing illegal working by people who do not have the right to find work in Britain.

Gavin Mitchell, the OIC’s head of legal services, said: “From December 1, we will be unable to grant licences to drive a taxi or private hire car unless a check has been made in person to make sure that the applicant is allowed to work in the UK.

“The new legislation makes this checking process mandatory for all new applications. From the start of December, drivers with existing licences will also have to provide documentation if they are applying to renew or extend their licence.

“But in most cases, the process will not need to be repeated the next time they need to renew or extend their licences.”

Drivers will need to make an appointment for a document check. To do this, please phone 01856 873535 extension 2232 or 2229 or send an email to licensing@orkney.gov.uk