Pre-application essentials for a driver's licence

Essential pre-application information, including how to evidence that you have held a driving licence issued in the UK for 12 months or more and how we process any criminal convictions.

A full UK driver's licence

Before you can apply for a new driver's licence, you will need to prove that you have held a full UK driving licence for 12 months or more.

Your licence must show your current home address and you will be asked for a share code.

Find or share your driving licence information – GOV.UK

Share codes expire after 21 days. We recommend getting the code once you have passed all the required training courses and are ready to submit your application.

Other application essentials

All our licensed drivers are required to know and follow the standards set out in our taxi and private hire licensing handbook.

You must also demonstrate that you:

  • are a fully competent driver – this will be assessed as pat of your Blue Lamp Trust driver's assessment
  • are physically and mentally fit
  • know the streets and principal buildings in Woking borough – this will be assessed as part of your knowledge check
  • have a right to work in the UK
  • are a 'fit and proper' person without serious criminal or traffic convictions

Criminal convictions 

If you have criminal convictions, your application will be reviewed and processed under ‘delegated authority’. In certain cases your case may be put before the Licensing Committee. This depends on the seriousness and relevance of the conviction. 

For more on criminal convictions, read the taxi and private hire licensing handbook.