Are you looking to apply for a licence to drive a taxi in Western Australia? Before you step into the vehicle, you need to meet certain licensing and authorisation requirements. In WA, the licence-gaining criteria and terminology related to licences have changed over time. Many people still call it a taxi licence, but it is now called a Passenger Transport Driver (PTD) authorisation for the driver and a Passenger Transport Vehicle (PTV) authorisation for the vehicle. If you are planning to drive a taxi, both the vehicle and driver requirements must be satisfied.
Here are the key questions answered step by step.
What is a taxi licence in WA?
The PTD authorisation is an annual authorisation which enables the holder to be paid to drive passengers for hire or reward (including taxi drivers and other passenger transport services). If you are planning to offer taxi services of your own in Perth, then this can be the first task you should get done. So, if you are not in driving, and have no intention of becoming one, but only require transport, then you can book an experienced Hills Taxi for driving around and beyond Perth Hills.
Who can apply for a taxi driver authorisation in WA?
In most cases, you are eligible for a PTD authorisation if you:
- Are at least 20 years old.
- Hold a current and valid driver’s licence for Western Australia.
- Are the holder of a driver’s licence or an equivalent authorisation to drive for at least three years.
- Have not been convicted of a relevant disqualification offence.
Even if you meet these criteria, your application may still be declined. The Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure assesses your character and medical fitness as well.
How do you apply for a taxi driver authorisation?
Begin online by accessing DoTDirect. Be sure you have your supporting documents ready before you proceed to do your online application.
Step 1: Check your eligibility
Start by making sure you qualify in terms of age, licence and experience. Some eligibility checks are made as part of the online application using information held by the department.
Step 2: Complete the character suitability requirements
You will need to provide details about your character, including an appropriate National Police Certificate (NPC) when you apply.
Step 3: Complete the medical assessment
The relevant medical assessment certificate will need to be supplied, along with the details of the health professional.
Step 4: Submit your application
Double-check the details before finalising the application using DoTDirect. Verify your documents are attached and in the correct formats.
Step 5: Pay the applicable fees
When you first apply, there will be a fee, and if you are approved, there will be an annual authorisation fee. You will need to verify with Transport WA as the fees may vary.
FAQs ( Frequently Asked Questions)
Do I need a separate licence for the taxi vehicle?
Yes. The vehicle also requires the relevant Passenger Transport Vehicle (PTV) authorisation. A taxi in the on-demand rank/ hail category is a vehicle that can be used to operate in the on-demand rank/ hail category and must be validly registered and meet the vehicle standards. Taxi vehicles in the OD-RH category are required to display the appropriate TAXI plates, which means that an ordinary private vehicle that has a PTD authorisation as a driver is not a taxi.
What happens after my taxi licence is approved?
The authorisation will be valid once the PTD application has been approved and the annual fee has been paid. Your authorisation is usually granted for a 12-month period.
You will also need to continue to satisfy the ongoing requirements (such as the renewal of the authorisation or submitting new police and medical information).
Can I drive a taxi without the required authorisation?
No. You will require the correct PTD authorisation to carry passengers for hire or reward, and if you do so, you must drive a vehicle with a PTV authorisation in the relevant category.
This contributes to ensuring that the provision of professional passenger transport is held in compliance with safety and other regulatory requirements of WA.
How long does a taxi licence application take?
Transport WA has advised an estimated time of processing time of approximately 11 days for PTD authorisation applications when a full application, along with the correct documentation, is received. More complicated applications could take additional time to process.
Looking to book a taxi in Perth?
Perth taxis can be very helpful for your everyday journeys, whether you’re going shopping, to appointments, around town or off for a local trip. Looking for a taxi near me in Perth? Look no further than Perth Hills Taxi WA.
Final thoughts
Applying for a taxi licence in WA isn’t just a matter of having a normal driver’s licence. Not only does your taxi need to have the proper PTD authorisation to carry paying passengers, but it also needs to have the PTV authorisation. But if you just want to be able to book a taxi to take you anywhere, from an airport transfer to a business meeting to a family day out, then you can speak to Perth Hills Taxi WA.