Transport for London (TfL) taxi & private hire licence

To drive a private hire vehicle (or hackney carriage / taxi) in this area you must hold a driver licence issued by Transport for London (TfL). Below is a clear summary of what you need, what it costs, and how to apply.

As a London PHV driver you must also pass TfL's SERU assessment — see the topics, format, pass mark and fees, or read our London PHV licence guide for the full application process. You can practise it free below.

TfL's own published example total is £477 excluding the medical: £52 DBS, £124 application, £186 grant, a £36 speaking and listening assessment, a £36 topographical assessment, the £36 SERU assessment and a £7.15 Post Office check-and-send — with a Group 2 GP medical on top. New London PHV drivers must complete the online safeguarding course, then pass SERU (which also covers the English reading and writing requirement), a separate speaking and listening test, and a topographical skills test. Licences run for 3 years.

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.

Transport for London (TfL) 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. As a London driver you must also pass TfL’s SERU assessment. Transport for London (TfL) confirms which apply to you.

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

How to apply

Applications are made directly to Transport for London (TfL). 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.