Any individual or organisation that operates a private hire service, other than a hackney carriage proprietor who permits hackney carriages to be used for private hire purposes, must apply to the Council for a Private Hire Operator’s Licence. 

A licensed private hire operator is responsible for ensuring that: 

  • Only licensed private hire vehicles are used for bookings; and
  • Those vehicles are driven exclusively by licensed private hire drivers. 

ShapeApplication Requirements for New Operators 

All new applications for a Private Hire Operator’s Licence will be subject to the following checks and completion of training: 

  • Fit and Proper Person Test: 
    Applicants must demonstrate that they are a fit and proper person to hold an operator’s licence. This will involve, at the minimum, a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
  • In the case of a limited company, all directors and individuals with control over the company will be required to undergo DBS checks.
  • In the case of a partnership, all partners must be DBS checked.
  • Disability awareness training – For details please see Driver New Applicants – Disability awareness.
  • Safeguarding training - For details please see Driver New Applicants – Safeguarding.
  • Tax Conditionality check code for Private Hire Operator - For details please see ‘New Applicants – Tax Conditionality Code’  

ShapeOperating Base Location Requirement 

The Council will not grant a Private Hire Operator’s Licence to any applicant whose proposed operating base is located outside the Mid Sussex District Council area. 

This requirement is in place to ensure that the Council can effectively carry out regulatory oversight and enforcement duties and maintain appropriate standards of public safety and service within its jurisdiction. 

All premises locations will be checked to ensure the business has the appropriate planning permission or lawful use for that purpose. 

Demonstrating Recordkeeping Procedures 

As part of the application or compliance process, private hire operators must demonstrate how they will meet the Council’s recordkeeping requirements as detailed under Private Hire Operator Information.  

The operator must provide a clear explanation, supported by documentation or system access if requested, showing how the following records will be kept, stored, and made available to the licensing authority. 

  • Booking Records
  • Driver Records
  • Vehicle Records
  • Complaint Records 

ShapeApplying for a Private Hire Operator Licence 

Once you have obtained all the required supporting documents, you can apply for a Private Hire Operator Licence by completing the Private Hire Operator Application Form using the link in ‘Application Forms’. 

In addition, a face-to-face meeting with a Licensing Officer is mandatory to confirm the applicant’s identity and to inspect the original documents. 

Please note that there are associated costs for the application, fees for the licence vary depending on: 

  • The number of vehicles to be operated under the licence; and
  • The duration of the licence being applied for. 

Full details of the applicable fees can be found in the ‘Licensing Fees Table’. Shape 

Full details regarding the Private Hire Operator can be found in the ‘MSDC Hackney Carriage & Private Hire Licensing Policy’. 

Last updated: 07 November 2025