South Oxfordshire District 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 South Oxfordshire District Council. Below is a clear summary of what you need, what it costs, and how to apply.
£503 combines the council's 3-year driver licence (£434.50) and knowledge test (£68.50), effective 1 April 2026. On top: an enhanced DBS, a driving assessment, disability-awareness and safeguarding training, and a GP Group 2 medical.
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.
South Oxfordshire District 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. South Oxfordshire District 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
Estimate your total start-up cost — licence, DBS, medical, test and training — with our licensing cost calculator.
Typical processing time: aims to start processing within 4 weeks
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 South Oxfordshire District 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
You'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 ↗We may earn a small commission from Amazon links, at no cost to you.
South Oxfordshire District Council private hire licence: common questions
How much does a South Oxfordshire District Council private hire driver licence cost?+
The driver licence fee is £503, 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 South Oxfordshire District Council?+
South Oxfordshire District Council requires knowledge test, topographical test, medical, safeguarding training, enhanced DBS. You must also hold a full driving licence and pass a right-to-work check.
Does South Oxfordshire District Council require a knowledge test?+
Yes. South Oxfordshire District Council requires applicants to pass a knowledge test before a private hire driver licence is granted.
How long does a South Oxfordshire District Council private hire licence take?+
South Oxfordshire District Council typically takes aims to start processing within 4 weeks. Timescales vary with DBS turnaround and how quickly you complete any required tests.
Ready to apply?
Applications are made directly to South Oxfordshire District Council.
Last verified: 2026-07-21
Private Hire Hub is independent and not affiliated with South Oxfordshire District Council. This is general guidance and fees or requirements can change — always confirm on the official page before applying.