To drive a non-motorised hackney carriage as part of a service to members of the public, you will need a Horse-Drawn Hackney Carriage Licence.
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Unlimited exam retakes till you Pass
Get your exam results the same day
Full refund if you don't pass. Terms apply
95% pass rate
Riding in a horse-drawn carriage can be a luxurious experience often reserved for special occasions such as weddings and holidays.
We make getting your horse-drawn hackney carriage licence a simple, stress-free process ✅
To be able to drive a non-motorised hackney carriage and provide a service to members of the public, you will need a horse-drawn hackney carriage licence.
Before the application for the horse-drawn hackney carriage licence can be made, the driver and holder of the licence will need to undergo a background check.
The local council will need to be satisfied that the applicant is a fit and proper person to hold a hackney carriage driver’s licence. As part of the application, the applicant will need to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check.
Driving a hackney carriage is a responsible role. The driver has to ensure the safety of the fare paying public in addition to other road users. This will include passing a road driving assessment and being able to produce a certificate signed by a registered doctor certifying that the applicant is physically fit to be the driver of such a vehicle.
As well as the driver, the horse itself will also need to pass quality standards as assigned by your local council such as fitness and suitability by a full veterinary inspection. As part of the application process, the local council will also take into consideration the number of working hours planned for the type of operation and whether or not it is suitable for a single horse to deliver such a service.
Horse-drawn hackney carriage licence applications must be made via your local council. You can find the contact details for your local council at the Official UK Government Website.
No, but your local council may require that you do hold a valid UK driving licence.
No. You must have a hackney carriage driver’s licence if you plan on operating a horse-drawn carriage as part of a service. If you do not hold a valid licence you can be prosecuted.
Yes, all medical costs must be undertaken by the applicant. You may also need to have your horse checked by a vet each year as part of the licensing conditions.
You must display your horse-drawn hackney carriage licence at all times. The driver can either have it on them as a badge, or have it displayed inside of the cart.
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