We have immediate vacancies for locally Council licensed drivers. Our drivers have total flexibility, being able to choose the hours they want to work depending on their needs.

You are in control and decide when you want to work while you have access to all the support of one of the most technically advanced and leading companies within the taxi industry, both locally and nationally.

Please Note:
The Swift office team can help new applicants who do not currently have a Council approved licence, and will guide you through the process, but all drivers must have held a full DVLA licence for 3 years. Passengers put their trust and safety in the hands of our drivers that is why you are required to adhere to high standards to obtain your driver's licence. To become a licensed driver you need to make an application through Basildon Council or Castle Point Council for either a Private Hire or Hackney Carriage drivers licence. All drivers and vehicles licensed by both District Licensing schemes are thoroughly checked. Drivers are subject to Criminal Record Bureau checks by both authorities and a test of their knowledge of the Basildon District is required if licensing though Basildon Council.

Some online information you may find helpful.

Basildon Council


Basildon Council issues a combined Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver's Licence. Applications must be made using the application form.

Members of the travelling public place a lot of trust in the driver of the licensed vehicle they get into. Therefore the Council insists on high standards from an applicant for a driver's licence.

You must be:

  • Over 21 years of age and have held a full DVLA driving licence for at least three years.

Convictions:

Basildon Council gives guidance with regard to the relevance of previous convictions and cautions. See:

Castle Point Council

Please note Castle Point are not accepting new applications for Operator Licences, only drivers.

Before a person can drive a licensed vehicle, whether it be a Hackney Carriage or a Private Hire vehicle they must fulfil the following criteria:

  • Be over 21 years of age

  • Have held a full DVLA driving licence for three years or more and meet the Previous Convictions Licensing Standards 

  • Pass a medical examination of fitness to drive (Group 2 standard)

  • Complete an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check and meet the Previous Convictions Licensing Standards 

  • Pass certificate for a driving assessment for taxis and private hire vehicles

All applicants will be required to submit:-

  • An application form 

  • A Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) form together with three forms of identification

  • Proof of right to work

  • Proof of English certificate if appropriate

  • Medical fitness certificate

  • DVLA check code 

  • The appropriate fee (details can be obtained from the Licensing Unit on 01268 882480)

  • Pass certificates for a Disability Awareness and Safeguarding courses and produce the original certificate as proof of attendance.

  • Pass certificate for a driving assessment for taxis and private hire vehicles

Applicants for a Hackney Carriage Licence will be required to sit a knowledge test, based on the Castle Point area.

For additional information on licensing requirements please review the Hackney Carriage Taxi & Private Hire Policy Feb 2022 [pdf] 862KB

Licensing Fees & Charges 2024-2025[pdf] 199KB for all applications under the Licensing Act 2003

To begin the application process please contact the Licensing Team - licensing@castlepoint.gov.uk

Basildon Council and Castle Point Council are both combined Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver's Licence

Interested in working together?

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