I already drive for Uber in Bristol. Can I just add Zippe to my existing setup?

Yes, straightforwardly. Your Bristol City Council private hire driver’s and vehicle licences already cover you to work for any licensed private hire operator — you don’t need a new licence to add Zippe. Download the Zippe Driver app, upload your existing licence documents, and you’re typically approved within 48 hours. You can then run both platforms simultaneously.

Does it matter what car I drive?

It matters to Bristol City Council’s licensing team more than it matters to Zippe. The council requires your vehicle to be under 10 years old, pass their vehicle inspection, and meet their private hire vehicle standards. Within those parameters, Zippe accepts saloons, estates, MPVs, hybrids, electric vehicles, and wheelchair accessible vehicles.

Can I work in Bath with a Bristol City Council licence?

A Bristol City Council private hire licence authorises you to accept pre-booked trips through a Bristol-licensed operator. Trips that begin in Bristol and end in Bath are generally fine. Basing yourself primarily in Bath and accepting trips originating there is a more complex question — the rules on cross-boundary PHV operation are nuanced and worth confirming directly with Bristol City Council.

What’s the DVLA check code and do I actually need it?

Yes. Bristol City Council requires a DVLA licence check code as part of your application — it allows them to view your driving record online without you posting your physical licence. Generate it through the DVLA’s 'Share Driving Licence' service on gov.uk. Note that each code expires after 21 days.

Is there a knowledge test for private hire drivers in Bristol?

No. Bristol City Council does not require a topographical knowledge test for private hire licence applicants. (The knowledge test applies to hackney carriage — black cab — licences only.)

I have a Bristol licence. Can I drive in Bath?

A Bristol City Council licence allows you to pick up pre-booked passengers through a Bristol-licensed operator. If you plan to base yourself primarily in Bath, you should contact the B&NES licensing team to ensure you are compliant with their specific cross-boundary rules. Often, if Bath is your main area, a B&NES licence is the safer, more professional route.

B&NES has specific vehicle standards regarding age and condition. Always check the B&NES council website before purchasing a vehicle for work. Hybrids and EVs are increasingly popular in Bath—they are cheaper to run in stop-start city traffic and are a big hit with eco-conscious tourists.

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Ride with PurposeThe smarter, safer way to travel across the West of England.
            
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Experiences that speak volumes

South Gloucestershire Driver

“I highly recommend to everyone to become a Zippe Driver, it is the best company. They’re friendly, and sometimes you feel like family, you know - and when you work with a company like that, you feel at home and you don't feel like a stranger”
Bath & North East Somerset Driver

"I have absolutely no problems driving with Zippe at all. I’d say that they're straight, they're friendly, they're easy to deal with, they’re understanding if you've got an issue or a problem, which means you can't fulfil a trip."
Tony (Driver)

“Since September 2024 when I first met the management and staff, I found them all friendly and welcoming, and I find them very accommodating when I explained my usual set pattern of working hours. They communicate well and really helped me out when my vehicle broke down recently by providing me with a rental vehicle in order for me to continue working!! All in all I find the company a breath of fresh air in that they will always talk to you, solve any problems, and all with a cheery attitude. Good stuff zippe!!!”
Hannah (Driver)

“Zippe are a great company to work for, the staff are all very friendly and approachable. They are also quick to respond to any queries or issues that I have.”
South Gloucestershire Driver

"I do recommend other drivers to be part of Zippe's team - or you could say family. It's a whole system, everything is organised, everything in place, you know what job you're doing"

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South Gloucestershire Driver

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