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Leeds Taxi Licence Guide

West Yorkshire

Information last checked: 28 August 2026

Private Hire DriverHackney Carriage Driver

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the requirements and procedures for obtaining a taxi or private hire driver licence from Leeds City Council. Navigating the licensing landscape in West Yorkshire requires adherence to strict safety and professional standards set by the local authority.

Overview

Leeds City Council is the licensing authority responsible for ensuring that all taxi and private hire drivers operating within the city are "fit and proper" persons. The licensing process is designed to protect the public by verifying the character, driving ability, and medical fitness of every applicant. The council’s Taxi and Private Hire Licensing department, located at 225 York Road, oversees the administration and enforcement of these regulations Taxi and private hire licensing | Leeds.gov.uk.

Licence types the council offers

The council issues two primary types of driver licences:

  • Private Hire Driver Licence: For drivers of vehicles that must be pre-booked through a licensed operator. These vehicles cannot be hailed in the street Private hire drivers' licences.
  • Hackney Carriage Driver Licence: For drivers of "taxis" that can stand on ranks or be hailed by passengers on the street Apply for a licence | Leeds.gov.uk.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a licence in Leeds, you must demonstrate that you are a "fit and proper" person. This involves a thorough background check, including your criminal record and driving history. Applicants must also have the legal right to work in the UK Driver licences for taxis and private hire vehicles - GOV.UK. Please confirm the current requirement with the relevant council regarding the minimum age for applicants in Leeds.

Driving licence requirements

New applicants must have held a full UK, Northern Ireland, or EU driving licence for a specific period, typically at least 12 months Driver licences for taxis and private hire vehicles - GOV.UK. A key requirement for Leeds City Council is the successful completion of an advanced taxi driving test Apply for a licence | Leeds.gov.uk. This test ensures that your driving standard meets the professional expectations of the authority.

DBS requirements

Safety is a priority, so all applicants must undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check DBS checks | Leeds.gov.uk. Additionally, Leeds City Council checks the National Refusal and Revocation Register (NR3). This register tracks individuals who have had a licence revoked or refused by other authorities to prevent them from obtaining a licence elsewhere without full disclosure Apply for a licence | Leeds.gov.uk.

Medical requirements

Applicants must be medically fit to drive to a Group 2 standard, which is the same standard required for lorry and bus drivers. This usually involves an examination by a GP who will review your medical history and complete a council-approved form. Please confirm the current requirement with the relevant council regarding which medical practitioners are authorized to conduct this assessment for Leeds applicants.

Knowledge test

The knowledge test assesses your understanding of the council’s licensing conditions, local laws, and basic numeracy. It ensures that drivers understand their legal obligations and how to interact professionally with the public #Taxi License : r/Leeds.

Topographical test

While often integrated into the broader knowledge assessment, the topographical element tests your familiarity with the Leeds area. Drivers are expected to know major landmarks, hospitals, and efficient routes across the city to provide a high level of service to passengers #Taxi License : r/Leeds.

Safeguarding and English requirements

Leeds City Council mandates that all new applicants pass an English test to ensure they can communicate effectively with passengers and emergency services Apply for a licence | Leeds.gov.uk. Furthermore, safeguarding training is a standard requirement to help drivers identify and report concerns regarding vulnerable children or adults.

Application process

The application process is primarily handled online through the official Leeds City Council portal Taxi and private hire - Home Page - leeds.gov.uk. Once you submit your initial application, it remains valid for 12 months. You must complete all required tests and checks within this timeframe, or the application will be cancelled without a refund Apply for a licence | Leeds.gov.uk.

Typical stages

  1. Submit the online application form.
  2. Complete the Enhanced DBS and NR3 checks.
  3. Pass the English language assessment.
  4. Pass the advanced taxi driving test.
  5. Undergo the Group 2 medical examination.
  6. Pass the Knowledge and Topographical tests.
  7. Attend safeguarding training.

Fees

Licensing fees are non-refundable and cover the cost of administration and testing. Please confirm the current requirement with the relevant council for the exact breakdown of fees for new applications and individual tests.

Renewal

Licences are typically granted for a period of three years once initial criteria are met Apply for a licence | Leeds.gov.uk. It is the driver's responsibility to ensure they apply for renewal before their current licence expires to avoid a lapse in their ability to work Renew your licence | Leeds.gov.uk.

Common mistakes

  • Missing the 12-month deadline: Failing to complete all tests within a year of applying leads to application cancellation Apply for a licence | Leeds.gov.uk.
  • Incomplete documentation: Submitting forms without the correct ID or medical evidence can delay the process.
  • Failure to disclose: Not declaring previous convictions or points on a driving licence can lead to an automatic refusal under the "fit and proper" policy.

What Smart Taxi Solutions can help with

Smart Taxi Solutions is an independent service provider dedicated to assisting applicants through the complexities of the licensing journey. We offer guidance on preparing for tests and organizing documentation. Please note that Smart Taxi Solutions does NOT issue licences; the final licensing decision is made solely by Leeds City Council.

What the council is responsible for

Leeds City Council is responsible for setting licensing policy, conducting background checks, administering tests, and making the final decision on whether to grant or renew a licence. They also handle enforcement and complaints against licensed drivers Taxi and private hire licensing | Leeds.gov.uk.

Official council website

For the most up-to-date information, application forms, and policy documents, always refer to the official Leeds City Council website: https://www.leeds.gov.uk.

Information last checked: 28 August 2026.

Official Leeds licensing page

Training & Licence Application Support

Smart Taxi Solutions provides independent application support and training coordination for taxi and private-hire licensing.

Where a recognised qualification or specialist training is required, we arrange training through the relevant training academy or authorised training provider. Customers may be required to attend the training provider's premises for classroom, practical training or assessments.

Any qualification or certificate is issued by the relevant awarding organisation, where applicable, and any taxi/private-hire licence is issued by the relevant licensing authority.

Smart Taxi Solutions does not issue qualifications, certificates or taxi/private-hire licences and cannot guarantee examination or licensing outcomes. Our role is to provide application support, document assistance and training coordination throughout the process.

Need help preparing your Leeds application? Smart Taxi Solutions provides application support, document preparation and test preparation. View our services or contact us.