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, fees and TfL's free resources, or read our London PHV licence guide for the full application process. You can practise it free below.

The licence fees themselves are £343: a £138 application fee and a £205 grant fee. TfL also lists a £41 enhanced DBS check (processing fees may be added), the £15-a-year DBS Update Service and £40 each for the speaking and listening, topographical and SERU assessments where they apply (£30 per re-sit). TfL doesn't publish a total; adding those listed fees gives our own estimate of about £519, before DBS processing fees, re-sits, the optional £7.15 Post Office Check and Send and a Group 2 GP medical (fee set by your GP). New London PHV drivers must complete the online safeguarding course, then pass SERU (which covers the reading and writing part of the English 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. 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.

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.