Merthyr Tydfil County Borough 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 Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council. Below is a clear summary of what you need, what it costs, and how to apply.

£272 new (3 years); requires a knowledge test, a driving assessment, a GP medical and enhanced DBS. Apply in person by appointment.

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.

Merthyr Tydfil County Borough 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. Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council confirms which apply to you.

You can prepare for free with our practice tests: Highway Code & road law, topographical skills, Level 2 (BTEC). See all practice tests.

Fees

Driver licence (3-year)£272

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 — free samples, then unlock the full question banks.

Browse free practice tests →

How to apply

Applications are made directly to Merthyr Tydfil County Borough 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.

Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council private hire licence: common questions

How much does a Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council private hire driver licence cost?+

The driver licence fee is £272, covering a 3-year licence. Councils usually charge separately for the DBS check, medical and any required tests, so budget above the headline fee.

What do you need to get a private hire licence with Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council?+

Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council requires knowledge test, medical, enhanced DBS. You must also hold a full driving licence and pass a right-to-work check.

Does Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council require a knowledge test?+

Yes. Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council requires applicants to pass a knowledge test before a private hire driver licence is granted.

Ready to apply?

Applications are made directly to Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council.

Official Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council page ↗

Last verified: 2026-06-30

Private Hire Hub is independent and not affiliated with Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council. This is general guidance and fees or requirements can change — always confirm on the official page before applying.