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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What do you need to drive for Zippe?

Getting started with Zippe is more straightforward than most people expect. This page covers everything you’ll need: your personal licence, your vehicle requirements, insurance, and the documents you’ll upload when you apply. If you’ve got questions not answered here, our support team is on hand.

Full UK Driving Licence

You must hold a valid, full UK driving licence. If you have an EU or international licence, it must be exchanged for a UK one before applying.

Licensed Vehicle

Your vehicle must be separately licensed by the council, pass an inspection, and typically be under 10 years old.

Private Hire Licence

Issued by your local council (e.g., Bath, Bristol). Some councils require a topographical knowledge test and an English language assessment.

Private Hire Insurance

Standard motor insurance doesn't cover fare-paying passengers. You'll need specialist hire-and-reward insurance (budget £1,500–£3,500/year).

DBS Enhanced Check

Safety is our priority. All drivers must complete and pass a full Enhanced DBS check before taking their first trip on the Zippe platform.

Document Verification

We review all your documents meticulously to ensure everything is in order. Please allow up to 48 hours for our team to verify your profile.

Your personal private hire licence

To drive for any private hire platform in the UK (including Zippe), you need a private hire driver’s licence issued by a local council. This is separate from your standard driving licence and specific to carrying paying passengers.

The exact process varies slightly between councils, but the core requirements are consistent across England and Wales:

You must be at least 21 years old (some councils require 25)
You must hold a full UK driving licence, held for a minimum of 12 months
You must pass an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check
You must pass a DVLA Group 2 medical examination
You must have the right to work in the UK
You must not hold certain criminal convictions: your council’s licensing team will provide the full list

Some councils also require a basic topographical knowledge test (familiarity with local roads) and/or an English language assessment. Check with your specific licensing authority before applying.

Zippe is rapidly expanding to meet the growing demand for ethical, community-focused transport. We currently operate across the heart of the South West, and we’re adding new regions to support our network of 23 local authority partners.

Ready to get started? Here's the path forward.

We've streamlined our onboarding process so you can start earning faster. Just gather your documents, and we'll handle the rest.

1

Gather Your Documents

Make sure you have your UK driving licence, private hire licence, and vehicle documents ready.

2

Apply Online or In-App

Create your Zippe profile and upload clear photos of your documents.

3

Verification Process

Our team will review your application within 48 hours. We'll let you know if we need anything else.

4

Hit the Road

Once approved, you can start accepting rides and earning on your own schedule.

download the Zippe driver app to get started

Fast Onboarding

Most profiles are verified within 48 hours of document submission.

Vehicle Requirements

Your vehicle must be separately licensed by your local council as a private hire vehicle (PHV). Standards vary by council, but the following generally apply:

✓

Vehicle Age

Usually under 10 years old at the time of licensing. Older vehicles may pass with rigorous inspection.

✓

Valid MOT

Current MOT certificate required. Council inspections are often more thorough than standard MOTs.

✓

Council Inspection

Vehicle must pass a council-approved safety, comfort, and condition check.

✓

Private Hire Insurance

Must be insured for 'hire and reward'. Standard motor insurance is not sufficient.

Insurance

Private hire insurance

This is the one requirement that catches new drivers out most often. Your standard motor insurance policy almost certainly does not cover you to carry paying passengers, even if you’re covered for ‘business use’.

You need specialist private hire insurance, also called ‘hire and reward’ insurance. Key things to know:

It’s a specialist product — not all insurers offer it. Use a broker who specialises in taxi and private hire cover.
Premiums vary significantly based on your vehicle, age, driving history, and location. Budget £1,500–£3,500 per year for a typical policy.
Some policies cover you for private hire only; others also cover personal use. Check the policy wording carefully.
Multi-app drivers — those driving for more than one platform — need to ensure their policy covers all platforms they intend to use.
Your council will ask for proof of valid private hire insurance as part of your vehicle licence application.

Cost Breakdown

The upfront cost of getting licensed varies by council. Here is a realistic estimate for drivers in England and Wales:

Private Hire Driver’s Licence

Paid to your local council. Renewed every 1–3 years.

£150 – £300

Enhanced DBS Check

Arranged through the council as part of your application.

£40 – £60

DVLA Group 2 Medical

Completed with your GP or a DVLA-approved doctor.

£50 – £150

Vehicle Licence

Paid to local council per vehicle. Annual renewal.

£150 – £400

Private Hire Insurance (Year 1)

The highest upfront cost. Varies by driving history.

£1,500 – £3,500

Total Estimated Cost

Most drivers recoup this in their first few weeks.

£1,940 – £4,560

Note: These costs exclude the purchase or lease of a vehicle.

Typical Licensing Timeline

Day 1–3

Prepare Documents

Gather your driving licence, proof of address, and book your medical examination.

Week 1–2

Council Application & Vehicle Inspection

Submit your PHV licence application and DBS check. Contact the council to arrange your vehicle inspection.

Week 2–3

Arrange Insurance

Get quotes and purchase specialist hire-and-reward insurance. Required before final licence issuance.

Week 4–6

Licences Issued

Once your DBS is clear and inspection passed, the council issues your badges and plates.

Final Step

Go Live on Zippe

Upload your fresh licences to the Zippe Driver app. Our team verifies everything within 48 hours.

Ready to get started?

Already licensed? Download the Zippe Driver app, and you could be earning this week.

Still working through the licensing process? Our step-by-step guide covers everything in detail, including tips on speeding up your DBS and choosing insurance.

Read the full guide →

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Frequently Asked Questions

PCO licences are specific to London, issued by Transport for London (TfL). Outside London, you need a private hire driver’s licence from your local council. In Bristol that’s Bristol City Council; in Bath it’s Bath & North East Somerset (B&NES) Council.
In most cases, yes — provided your licence is valid and you’re operating within the area covered by your licensing authority. Some councils issue licences with cross-boundary operating permissions. Check with your licensing authority if you’re unsure about your specific situation.
Each council assesses DBS results on a case-by-case basis. Minor or spent convictions do not automatically disqualify you, but certain offences — particularly those involving violence, sexual offences, or serious dishonesty — will typically result in a licence being refused. Your council’s licensing team can advise on their specific policy before you apply.

Yes, provided the vehicle is properly licensed as a private hire vehicle by your council and covered by valid private hire insurance. The licensing and insurance must be in place regardless of whether you own or lease the vehicle.
Private hire driver’s licences are typically issued for one to three years, depending on the council. Vehicle licences are usually renewed annually. Your council will notify you ahead of expiry. Driving with an expired licence or vehicle plate is a criminal offence.
No. Your private hire licence covers you to work for any licensed private hire operator — you don’t need a separate licence or notification for each platform you drive for. Zippe is a licensed private hire operator in its operating areas.

Drive with confidence.
Drive with Zippe.