Licences for taxi drivers

Any person who drives a taxi must have a licence.  There are several steps you must undertake before the council can provide you with a licence.  These include a number of tests, checks and payments.

Applicants must:

  1. Check that you are eligible
  2. Understand the application costs
  3. Choose which licence to apply for
  4. Pass the council’s knowledge test
  5. Pass a practical driving assessment through one of the council's approved test providers
  6. Take a medical with your GP
  7. Book a 30-minute Driver Licence - New Licence appointment
  8. Complete our online application form
  9. Submit completed documents by email

The knowledge test, driving assessment and medical can be done in any order, but must be done before booking a Driver Licence - New Licence appointment.

A Driver Licence - New Licence appointment must be booked before completing our online application form.

Check that you are eligible

Applicants must:

  • Be over 21 years old
  • Have held a full UK or EEA driving licence for at least two years
  • Be entitled to work in the UK
  • Have an email address

Understand the application costs

  • Knowledge test: £114.48
  • If you do not pass the knowledge test and need to retake it, either £78.44 including training or £35.51 for the test only
  • Licence: £343.50
  • Criminal records / DBS check: £50.02

Licences can last for up to three years.

Full details of the application process and criteria are contained in our Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy 2021-2026 (PDF 1.34 MB).

 

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