Taxi and private hire drivers licensed in Havant could face drug screening and regular mandatory training under a proposed overhaul of the borough’s licensing policy.
Havant Borough Council is preparing to consult residents, businesses and members of the taxi and private hire trade on a revised Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy.
One of the most significant proposed changes is the introduction of drug screening for licensed drivers.
The council is also proposing regular mandatory safeguarding and disability-awareness training for taxi and private hire drivers.
Importantly, these requirements are not currently new rules already in force.
The proposed changes were considered and agreed in draft form by Havant Borough Council’s Licensing Committee on 15 June 2026 and will now go through public consultation before councillors decide whether to adopt the revised policy.
The consultation is scheduled to open on Monday, 7 September 2026.
Havant says the changes are intended to align its licensing arrangements with updated national guidance and best practice while improving consistency with neighbouring authorities including Portsmouth, Fareham and Gosport.
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The proposed policy contains several other changes affecting people applying for or holding taxi and private hire licences.
Applicants would be required to have held a DVLA driving licence for at least two years, increasing the minimum period currently required under the proposed new policy.
The council is also proposing changes to the qualifying period for Certificates of Good Character and amendments to licensed vehicle specifications.
Its approach to previous criminal convictions would be brought into line with guidance published by the Institute of Licensing.
Havant currently issues a combined Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver’s Licence, normally lasting three years.
Applicants must satisfy the council that they are a fit and proper person before a licence can be granted.
The authority already carries out a range of checks and requirements as part of that process, including DBS vetting, medical requirements and a knowledge test.
Havant’s knowledge test covers licensing legislation, geographical knowledge, numeracy, literacy, routes, the Highway Code, traffic signs and local places of interest.
The proposed drug-screening requirement would therefore become an additional safeguarding and suitability measure if the revised policy is eventually approved.
The council has not presented the proposal as evidence that drug misuse is widespread among Havant taxi or private hire drivers.
Instead, drug screening forms part of a broader package intended to strengthen passenger confidence, safeguarding and consistency in licensing standards.
The consultation will give drivers and operators an opportunity to comment on how the proposed requirements could work in practice before any final decision is made.
That distinction matters because publication of a draft licensing policy does not automatically make its provisions enforceable against existing licence holders.
After consultation responses have been considered, Havant Borough Council will decide whether to adopt the revised policy and whether any of the proposed requirements should be changed before implementation.
Drivers, operators, businesses and residents will be able to submit their views once the consultation opens on 7 September.
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Sources
Havant Borough Council – Taxi Licensing Policy Consultation
Havant Borough Council – Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Drivers
Havant Borough Council – Taxi and Private Hire Driver Knowledge Test
