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Apply for a Hackney carriage/private hire/dual badge driver's licence

To apply, you must have held a full UK driving licence for at least 2 years.

If you have lived in the UK for less than 5 years, you need to provide a certificate of good conduct from the country (or embassy of the country) you lived in within this period.

Read the documents below before applying. You can contact us if you have any questions or need any help.

Download list

  1. Book your assessment with Walsall College

    You need to book a taxi drivers' assessment with Walsall College. This is a reading, listening and maths test, which all new Hackney carriage and private hire drivers must sit.

    The current fee for this assessment is £40.00, payable to Walsall College.

    Contact Walsall College to book the test.

  2. Arrange a medical

    You need to have a medical before you can apply. Your GP needs to fill in this form to declare you are fit to drive Hackney carriage/private hire vehicles.

    Pay your GP directly for the medical report before you submit your application online.

    Download list

  3. Get a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

    You must have an enhanced DBS check.

    If you have joined the DBS update service and keep your DBS live online, attach a scan or photo of your most recent certificate to your application. You do not need to apply for another DBS check.

    If you do need to complete a DBS check, you'll need to pay a fee.

    You'll need the following codes:

    • organisation reference: TAXILICENSING
    • organisation code: TAXILICENSINGCRB

    Complete the first section of the DBS form online. You'll then receive a code. You need to provide this code on your application form.

    You also need to scan or provide clear photographs of your ID documents (front and back) with your completed application. This includes:

    • your DVLA licence
    • valid passport and residence permit where applicable
    • a bank statement (less than 3 months old) and/or a utility bill which shows your name and address

    The name and address on every document must be the same.

    If you don't hold a British passport, you will need to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK (for example, a biometric card or visa documentation).

    These documents will be verified by a licensing officer. We will destroy any bank statements/bills after verification of the DBS application.

    Paying for your DBS

    The fee is £52.00.

    You should make your payment when:

    • you have completed your online DBS
    • you have provided the relevant code and documents

    The payment for the DBS is on the 'Training' option from the drop down payment menu.

    DBS update service

    The update service is an online subscription service that lets you keep your enhanced DBS certificates up-to-date. It also allows employers to check a certificate online, with your consent.

    You can use your certificate again when you apply for a position within the same workforce, where the same type and level of check is required.

    Find out more about the DBS update service on gov.uk.

  4. Get a Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) code

    You must also get a DVLA licence sharing code and complete the code on the application form.

    The code is case sensitive. If we cannot complete the DVLA check then your licence will not be approved. The DVLA code expires 21 days after issue.

    There is no charge for the DVLA check.

  5. Pass a practical driving test

    To arrange a private hire practical driving test, email DrivingAssessments@walsall.gov.uk and tell us your:

    • full name
    • phone number
    • vehicle registration number

    The garage will contact you to arrange a time and date and take a payment of £75.00

  6. Complete and send your application form

    After you've completed the steps above, download the application form below, fill it in, and send it back to us by email. Send us your payment receipts too.

    If you prefer, you can email us with your full name, telephone number(s) and email address. We will send you an application form and tell you what you need to do.

    Once we receive your application, we will destroy any documents provided for validation.

    Download list

  7. Attend a Driver Training Course (DTC)

    You need to attend a Driver Training Course (DTC) which is held via Microsoft Teams. Contact us to book your course.

    We will assess your knowledge of road safety, disability awareness, licence conditions and child sexual exploitation (CSE).

    The current fee for this course is £60.00 payable to Walsall Taxi Licensing. You can pay online.

    You will be invited to book the DTC after we verify your application.

  8. Private hire licence issue and payment

    Following completion of these steps, you can be issued with a private hire driver licence.

    A licence fee is due at the time of issue. The current fee for a 3 year licence is £180.00, payable to Walsall Taxi Licensing. You can pay online.

What happens next

It can take up to 2 months for your licence to be issued.

You will receive an email before your licence needs to be renewed. You will receive all the relevant forms and information to renew your licence

Payment of fees

Find our full list of fees.

You can pay online for:

  • practical driving test
  • driver training course
  • private hire licence
  • Hackney knowledge test
  • dual private hire/Hackney carriage licence
  • private hire operator
  • DBS

A pro rata fee may apply if you are replacing an existing vehicle licence. Contact us for more information.

Hackney knowledge test

If you wish to get a Hackney Carriage driver licence you need to take an additional knowledge test. The current fee for this test is £30.00, payable to Walsall Taxi Licensing. You can pay online.

Licensing and Safety Committee

You may need to go before the Licensing Committee if you have any motoring or criminal convictions or a revoked licence. They will consider your application on an individual case by case basis.

If the committee refuses your application your application fees will not be refunded. If you need any further help, email us.

What happens if you don't have a licence

By law, you must have a licence and we can take action against Hackney carriage or private hire drivers who breach regulations. Unlicensed drivers or vehicles can be reported. Find out more about taxi and private hire licensing enforcement.

Find out about the national register for taxi and private hire driver licence refusals and revocations.

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