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Taxis

All hackney carriage and private hire drivers and vehicles operating in Swansea need to be licensed.

Complete a tax check for a taxi or private hire Complete a tax check for a taxi or private hire

Licences are needed for any vehicle that is provided for hire with a driver and is used to carry passengers for payment or reward.  

If you want to licence a vehicle only for school transport, airport travel or executive hire you will need to contact us. You can phone (01792) 635600 or visit the Civic Centre. We recommend that you make an appointment before your visit.

For further information on taxi licensing please contact the Licensing Division on (01792) 635600 or email taxilicensing@swansea.gov.uk. 

News for the taxi trade

Keep up to date with the latest news and updates from Taxi Licensing.

Safeguarding training for hackney carriage and private hire drivers and passenger assistants

Welsh Government and Department for Transport have issued guidance for Local Authorities to update conditions and standards of Taxi Licensing.  The changes are explained here and will be updated periodically, please use the links below to access the changes as and when information is available.

Tax Conditionality affecting the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Trade

Welsh Government Guidance for local authorities to ensure operators and vehicle drivers meet licensing requirements

DfT Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards

 

Vehicles - hackney carriage

Hackney carriage vehicles are black and carry a white licence plate on the rear of the vehicle. They also carry yellow roundels (stickers) on both front doors of the vehicle.

Vehicles - private hire

All private hire vehicles in Swansea are white. They have a yellow licence plate on the rear of the vehicle and green triangle stickers on both front doors of the vehicle.

Hackney carriage and private hire vehicle test appointments

Vehicles licensed as taxis are tested to make sure they are mechanically fit and suitable for use as a taxi. Taxis are tested when they are first licensed and then every 6 months.

Operators - private hire

Most of the operators in Swansea run private hire vehicles although there are some hackney carriage operators.

Drivers - hackney carriage and private hire

All hackney carriage and private hire drivers must be licensed by us. They must wear a photographic identity badge at all times, when they are working.

Guide to becoming a taxi driver

If you are looking to become a taxi driver in Swansea check our guide to find out what you need to do.

Equality Act 2010 information for taxis

As a taxi driver you should give your service to all customers including those with wheelchairs, mobility issues or who may need help. You should give help to any passengers who need help and you are not allowed to refuse them or charge extra.

Complete a tax check for a taxi or private hire

From 4 April 2022, the rules are changing if you're applying for a licence for a taxi driver, private hire driver or private hire vehicle operator.

Fees for taxi licensing

Information about the different licensing fees depending on the type of taxi/operation.

Taxi safety advice

Taxis and private hire vehicles are generally a safe way to travel. It is important to make sure that you choose a licensed vehicle and to take sensible precautions.

Locations of taxi ranks in Swansea

Taxi ranks are situated in the City Centre, Morriston and Mumbles with a number operating 24 hours.

Frequently asked questions about taxi licensing

Find out answers to the most common questions we get asked about taxi licensing.

Contact Taxi Licensing

  • Address
    • Licensing Division
    • Housing and Public Protection Service
    • Directorate of Place
    • Swansea
    • SA1 3SN
    • United Kingdom
  • Tel01792 635600
  • Fax01792 635709
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