- Fees and duration
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These fees apply from 1 April 2025.
Licence fees
- Taxi Operator’s Licence: £506
- Private Hire Car (PHC) Operator’s Licence: £506
- Taxi Driver’s Licence: £326
- PHC Driver’s Licence: £326
Vehicle inspection fees
- Vehicle inspection: £114
- Breakdown: £95 + 20% VAT (£19)
- Vehicle inspection with MOT: £134
- Breakdown: £95 + VAT (£19) + MOT (£20, non-VAT)
Vehicle re-test fees
Vehicle re-test (inspection only): £54
Breakdown: £45 + 20% VAT- Applies if vehicle is re-presented after the next day following the original inspection.
- Valid for 14 days from original inspection. After that, a full inspection and fee is required.
Vehicle re-test with MOT: £59
Breakdown: £45 + 20% VAT + MOT (£5, non-VAT)- Applies if the vehicle is re-presented after the next day following the original inspection.
- Valid for 14 days from original inspection. After that, a full inspection and fee are required.
Vehicle re-test fees (if not completed within 14 days of the original inspection)
- Vehicle re-test: £114
- Breakdown: £95 + 20% VAT (£19)
- Vehicle re-test with MOT: £134
- Breakdown: £95 + VAT (£19) + MOT (£20, non-VAT)
Other fees
- Meter test: £87.60
- Breakdown: £73 + 20% VAT
- Substitute vehicle (excludes inspection): £77
- External taxi/PHC licence plate: £30
- Knowledge test re-sit: £77
- Identification badge: £24
- Copy of licence: £24
- Taxi/PHC booking office licence: £404
Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Register
We keep a register of vehicle designated as wheelchair accessible taxis and private hire cars.
View the Wheelchair Assessible Vehicle register
Taxi & PHC Licensing News
Private Hire Car Driver Knowledge Tests
On 16 September 2025 the Council’s Licensing Committee agreed to introduce a knowledge test for applicants for the grant of a private hire car (PHC) driver’s licence, which comes into effect from 1 September 2026. From this date any applicants for the grant of a PHC driver’s licence, or existing drivers that fail to re-apply timeously, will require to sit and pass a knowledge test before a licence can be granted. If a driver currently holds a PHC driver’s licence, and applies to renew their licence before their current one expires, they will not require to sit the knowledge test.
The pass mark will be the same as the current taxi driver’s knowledge test, namely 85% for the local area section and 75% for the Highland wide section.
A sample of the knowledge test is available here. The sample test provides applicants with an example of the format and types of questions which will be asked in the actual test. Please note that the sample test is not updated so there may be premises which have now relocated etc. However, the purpose of the sample test is to allow applicants an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the format that the test will take and all live tests are updated.
Applicants require to complete Section 1 and one of the local area sections. The local section chosen would normally be the one in which the applicant resides or intends to operate in.
- How to apply
- After you apply
- Forms and guidance
- Contact us
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Unlicensed vehicles operating as taxis or PHCs within the Highland Council area
This is a Police matter and should be reported to:
- Non-emergencies – 101
- Crimestoppers (anonymous) – 0800 555 111
- Alternatively, a complaint can be submitted to Police Scotland
Location of taxi ranks or concerns in relation to road markings for taxi ranks or unauthorised parking of taxis or PHCs within The Highland Council area
This is dealt with by our Roads department, who can be contacted at: parking@highland.gov.uk
Enforcement-related issues for licensed taxis or PHCs within the Highland Council area
This is dealt with by Trading Standards, who can be contacted at: trading.standards2@highland.gov.uk
Other enquiries
If you are unsure which department your enquiry or complaint in relation to taxis or PHCs should be reported by:
- email: licensing@highland.gov.uk
- phone: 01349 88 6606
