After you have applied
Before a licence is granted
Before a taxi or private hire car driver's licence is granted, applicants must also:
- sit a knowledge test
- complete a right to work check
- have their meter tested
Knowledge test
Before a taxi driver’s licence is granted you must sit and pass our taxi driver’s knowledge test. Sample tests are available to view, which provide details of the number and type of questions you will be asked.
Find out more about knowledge tests
Right to work check
All applicants for a taxi or private hire car driver's licence must also undergo a right to work check before a licence can be issued. You will be contacted by a member of the licensing team about this.
Meter test
Before a taxi operators licence is issued, or PHC licence where a meter is fitted, the meter must be tested by us. The fee for this is £87.60. You will be contacted by the licensing team to arrange an appintment.
Vehicle inspections
You are also required to have your vehicle inspected by us before it can be used as a taxi or PHC.
Find out more about vehicle inspections
After a licence is granted
Once your licence has been granted, you will be provided with a taxi or PHC plate, as well as an ID badge. These are included as part of your application fee and there is no additional charge.
Assistance dog exemption
The Equality Act 2010 places a duty on licensed taxi and private hire vehicle drivers to carry assistance dogs accompanying disabled persons and prohibits the imposition of any additional charge for doing so. A driver may only be exempt from this requirement where the Licensing Authority has granted an exemption certificate on medical grounds and the prescribed exemption notice is displayed in the vehicle.
If you are of the view that you may be exempt from these requirements, on the basis of medical grounds, you must submit an exemption request form to the licencing team, along with any supporting documentation.