Taxi / Private Hire Licence Cost UK
Taxi Licence Cost UK
If you want to work as a taxi driver or private hire driver in the UK, you must apply for a licence from your local council. The cost varies depending on where you live, but most councils have similar fees for applications, medicals, DBS checks and vehicle licensing.
This 2026 guide explains everything you need to budget for.
1. Taxi Licence Types in the UK
There are two main types of licences:
- Private Hire Driver Licence
Drivers for Uber, Bolt, Ola, local minicabs — pre-booked only. - Hackney Carriage (Taxi) Driver Licence
Black cab or local taxis that can be flagged down on the street or work from ranks.
Costs for both are similar, but vehicle requirements differ slightly.
2. Taxi / Private Hire Driver Licence Cost (2026)
Driver licensing fees vary by council. Below are typical 2026 prices used across the UK:
- Application fee: £80 – £200
- Knowledge test fee: £20 – £65
- Driving assessment: £60 – £80
- Enhanced DBS check: £38 (national standard) + admin fees
- Medical examination: £60 – £150
- Licence issue fee: £100 – £250 (usually lasts 1–3 years)
- Right to work check: Free
Typical total driver licence cost (2026):
£300 – £550 for most councils
London (TfL) is usually more expensive: £400 – £700
3. Vehicle Licensing Costs (2026)
To operate as a taxi or private hire driver, your vehicle must also be licensed.
Typical vehicle licensing fees:
- Vehicle application/inspection: £50 – £150
- Vehicle licence fee (1 year): £150 – £350
- MOT (taxi/MOT class 4 or 5): £55 – £80
- Meter calibration (Hackney taxis only): £15 – £40
- Vehicle plate fee: £10 – £25
- Door signs / livery: £10 – £40
Total vehicle licensing cost (2026):
£250 – £450 depending on the council and vehicle age.
4. Additional Optional Costs
Safeguarding Training / Child Sexual Exploitation Training
Many councils require this training.
Typical cost: £20 – £40
English Language Test (some councils)
£20 – £60 depending on provider.
Topographical Test (TfL, London)
£36 – £50
Taxi Camera (if required by council)
£250 – £400 installed.
5. Ongoing Yearly Costs (2026)
- Vehicle licence renewal: £150 – £350
- MOT: £55 – £80
- Insurance (private hire insurance):
- Standard UK average: £1,200 – £2,200/year
- London: £2,500 – £3,500/year
- DBS update service (optional): £13/year
- Replacement badges / plates: £10 – £20
6. Total Cost to Become a Taxi Driver in the UK (2026)
Low end (small town):
£600 – £900 (driver licence + vehicle)
High end (major cities like London):
£1,000 – £1,500+
This includes all:
- DBS
- Medical
- Knowledge/English/topographical tests
- Licence fees
- Vehicle licensing
- MOT
- Plates
Insurance is the biggest ongoing cost, especially in cities.
7. Requirements to Apply (2026)
Most councils require:
- Age 21+
- Full UK driving licence (held 12+ months)
- Enhanced DBS
- Medical (Group 2 standard)
- Right to work in the UK
- Good character / no serious convictions
- Vehicle that meets licensing rules
London (TfL) has stricter requirements including a topographical test and English language proof.
8. Average Time to Get a Taxi Licence
- Small towns: 2–6 weeks
- Cities: 6–12 weeks
- London (TfL): 8–16 weeks
9. Related UK Cost Guides
Add these internal links at the bottom of the article:
