How to become a private hire or taxi driver in the UK

Becoming a licensed private hire or taxi driver in the UK is one of the most flexible ways to start earning behind the wheel, but the path is more involved than simply having a driving licence. Every driver is licensed by a local council (in London this is Transport for London), and each council sets its own fees, tests and processing times. This guide walks you through the steps in the usual order so you know what is coming and roughly how long it takes.

Step 1: Find and check your council

The single most important thing to understand is that requirements vary by council. The driver licence you apply for is issued by the local authority where you intend to work, not by a national body. Before you spend a penny, find your council and read its taxi and private hire licensing pages carefully. Two neighbouring authorities can charge very different fees and run completely different tests.

Examples of how different things look: Transport for London licenses tens of thousands of drivers and requires the SERU assessment, while Wolverhampton became known for a streamlined, lower-cost national application process. Always confirm the exact steps with the council you plan to apply to.

Step 2: Meet the basic eligibility requirements

Most councils expect applicants to meet a common set of baseline conditions:

• Age and licence length: you usually need to be at least 18 or 21, and to have held a full UK or EU/EEA driving licence for a minimum period (commonly 12 months, sometimes longer for private hire).
• Right to work: you must prove you have the legal right to work in the UK. Councils carry out a right to work check as part of the application.
• Good character: the council assesses whether you are a "fit and proper" person to hold a licence, which is where the criminal record check comes in.

Step 3: Pass the enhanced DBS check

You will need an enhanced DBS check with a check of the barred lists, arranged through the council or its approved provider. Most authorities now also require you to join the DBS Update Service and keep your subscription active for the life of your licence, so the council can re-check you at renewal. If you let the subscription lapse, you will normally have to pay for a brand new certificate. Sign up to the Update Service within the deadline (usually 30 days of the certificate being issued) to avoid extra cost later.

Step 4: Pass the DVLA Group 2 medical

Taxi and private hire driving is treated as a higher responsibility, so you must meet the DVLA Group 2 medical standard (the same higher standard used for lorry and bus drivers). The examination is completed on a council medical form, usually by a GP with access to your medical records or by an approved medical provider. You pay for this yourself, and councils typically require a fresh medical at set intervals as you get older.

Step 5: Pass the knowledge, topographical or SERU test

This is the step that varies most between areas. Depending on your council you may face:

• A knowledge test covering local geography, licensing law and the Highway Code.
• A topographical (map reading) test, checking you can plan routes and read maps and addresses. You can prepare with our topographical practice questions.
• In London, the SERU assessment (Safety, Equality and Regulatory Understanding), which is mandatory for private hire drivers and now also for taxi drivers. Prepare with our SERU practice tests.

Whatever your council uses, brushing up on the rules of the road helps, so our Highway Code practice and the full set of practice tests are a good place to start.

Step 6: Prove your English language ability

Councils must be satisfied you can communicate with passengers and read documents in English. Some run a separate English assessment, while in London the SERU assessment doubles as the language and safeguarding check. Check whether your council expects a certificate or a test.

Step 7: Submit your application

With your DBS, medical and test results ready, you submit the driver licence application and pay the council's fee. The council reviews everything, carries out its "fit and proper" assessment and, if satisfied, issues your driver badge. Processing can take a few weeks to a few months, so apply early and keep copies of everything.

Step 8: Sort your vehicle, insurance and getting on the road

A private hire vehicle must also be licensed, and you need proper hire and reward insurance (standard private car insurance does not cover paid passenger work). If you drive your own car you will license it through the council; if you rent a ready plated vehicle the operator may handle the vehicle licence. Once licensed you can work for a local firm or sign up to apps such as Uber or Bolt, which require you to already hold a valid council licence and a licensed vehicle.

Before you commit, it helps to model your numbers. Try our earnings estimator to gauge take home pay and the fuel calculator to estimate running costs. For a full breakdown of the up front spend, read our companion guide on the cost to become a taxi driver.

How long does the whole process take?

From first enquiry to badge in hand, most drivers take roughly two to five months, mainly because the DBS check and medical take time to come back. You can speed things up by booking your medical and test slots early and submitting a complete, accurate application first time.