Leicester taxi & private hire driver licence: the basics (2026)

Checked 1 Nov 2026 against Leicester City Council's taxi licensing page (linked below). Fees shown are the council's fees that apply from 1 June 2026.

1. One licence, two kinds of car

• Leicester City Council issues one taxi driver licence that covers both hackney carriages (black/hail cabs) and private hire vehicles.
• Private hire trips must be pre-booked through a licensed operator.
• Hackney carriages can be hailed in the street, wait at taxi ranks and use meters with council-set fares.

2. What you need to get a driver licence

You must be “fit and proper”, which means you must:

• be over 18
• have held a full UK or EU driving licence for at least 12 months
• pass a criminal record check (DBS)
• pass a medical examination by your GP
• pass a topographical (local knowledge) test
• pass a practical driving test
• pass a spoken English assessment (£90), arranged through Leicester College
• prove your immigration status
• pass extra HMRC tax checks

After licensing you must also complete a child sexual exploitation awareness course within three months, and sign up for six-monthly DBS checks (from April 2026) via the DBS Update Service.

3. Driver fees (from 1 June 2026)

• Knowledge test: £24
• New driver licence: £121 (1 year) or £163 (2 years)
• Renewal: £98 (1 year), £140 (2 years), £183 (3 years)
• Replacement badge £24 · Driving licence check £5

These are council fees only. The spoken English assessment (£90) and other costs such as the practical test or medical are separate.

4. Vehicle licence (if you use your own car)

• New hackney carriage or private hire vehicle licence: £224. Renewal or change of vehicle: also £224.
• You apply with a vehicle inspection sheet, your insurance certificate and the V5C logbook, and book a vehicle inspection online.
• Advertising on a licensed vehicle needs council approval (email licensing@leicester.gov.uk).

5. Renewing and staying licensed

• Renew online well before your licence expires. Drivers with type 1 diabetes need to include a diabetic renewal form.
• The council runs a penalty points scheme for minor offences or breaches, and you can appeal penalty points.
• Wheelchair-accessible vehicle drivers must carry passengers in their wheelchair, give mobility help and not charge extra, unless they hold a medical exemption.

6. Contact

Email licensing@leicester.gov.uk or visit the Customer Services Centre, 91 Granby Street, Leicester, LE1 6FB. The council's page also links to the driver guidance notes and convictions guidance (PDFs).

Source (fetched 1 Nov 2026)

• Leicester City Council: Taxi licensing in Leicester

General information only, not legal advice. Rules and fees can change, so always check the council's page before you apply. Not affiliated with Leicester City Council, Uber, Bolt or any operator.

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