Gateshead Council taxi & private hire licence
Requirements, fees and how to apply · updated 2026
To drive a private hire vehicle (or hackney carriage / taxi) in this area you must hold a driver licence issued by Gateshead Council. Below is a clear summary of what you need, what it costs, and how to apply.
Driver badge issued for up to 3 years. A mandatory locality/knowledge test, a Group 2 medical and enhanced DBS apply. Fee not yet confirmed online.
Gateshead Council requires a knowledge test
Practise before you book it. Start with the free questions, then unlock the full question banks.
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Highway Code
Knowledge tests usually include Highway Code and road-law questions, alongside local places and routes you learn from the council's own materials.
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Original practice questions, not Gateshead Council's official test.
What you generally need
Requirements vary from council to council, but to get a private hire or taxi driver licence in the UK most authorities expect you to:
- be a “fit and proper person”, confirmed by an enhanced DBS check;
- hold a full driving licence (often for at least 12 months) and prove your right to work in the UK;
- meet a medical standard, commonly the DVLA Group 2 standard;
- pass any knowledge or topographical test the council sets, and sometimes an English language or safeguarding assessment;
- for the vehicle: a licensed, inspected car with hire-and-reward insurance.
Gateshead Council publishes the exact list that applies in this area, so always confirm on their official page before you apply. Our step-by-step guide covers the whole process, and the DBS & medical guide explains those checks in detail.
Tests you might need to pass
Many councils require a local knowledge test or a topographical map-reading assessment, and some ask for an English language or safeguarding awareness check. Gateshead Council confirms which apply to you.
You can prepare for free with our practice tests: Highway Code & road law, topographical skills, Level 2 (BTEC). Each one starts with a free sample of 8 questions; £9.99 once unlocks all 4 full question banks and unlimited mock tests, with an explanation for every answer. See all practice tests.
Fees
We're verifying Gateshead Council's latest fees — check the official link below for current charges.
Estimate your total start-up cost — licence, DBS, medical, test and training — with our licensing cost calculator.
Practice for your test
Most councils set a knowledge or topographical test. Practise the Highway Code, topographical skills and the BTEC Level 2 syllabus — a free sample of each, then £9.99 once unlocks all 4 full question banks, unlimited mock tests and an explanation for every answer.
Browse free practice tests →How to apply
Applications are made directly to Gateshead Council. In most areas you complete their driver application, provide your DBS, medical and documents, pass any required test, and pay the fee. Use the official link below to begin, and see our full how-to guide for what to expect at each step.
Starting out? The kit most new drivers buy first
Affiliate linksYou'll need more than a licence on day one. These are the essentials — the same picks from our full gear guide.
Front & rear dash cam
Records the road ahead and behind to protect you against false claims.
View on Amazon ↗Phone holder
Keeps your phone secure and in view — legally — while you drive.
View on Amazon ↗As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases made through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices were checked on Amazon UK and can change.
Gateshead Council private hire licence: common questions
What do you need to get a private hire licence with Gateshead Council?+
Gateshead Council requires knowledge test, medical, enhanced DBS. You must also hold a full driving licence and pass a right-to-work check.
Does Gateshead Council require a knowledge test?+
Yes. Gateshead Council requires applicants to pass a knowledge test before a private hire driver licence is granted.
Ready to apply?
Applications are made directly to Gateshead Council.
Last verified: 2026-06-30
Private Hire Hub is independent and not affiliated with Gateshead Council. This is general guidance and fees or requirements can change — always confirm on the official page before applying.