Explanatory note

Section 51 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 precludes the granting of a licence to drive a private hire vehicle in England (excluding London) or Wales except to an applicant who holds, and has held for at least a year, an appropriate driving licence. Such a licence is either a full licence granted under Part III of the Road Traffic Act 1988 or a licence issued by another state in the European Economic Area. This Order amends Section 51 so as to give equal recognition to a Northern Ireland driving licence. Section 59, which makes equivalent provision with regard to a licence to drive a taxi (a “hackney carriage”) is similarly amended.