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Manchester Taxi Licence Guide

Greater Manchester

Information last checked: 28 August 2026

Private Hire DriverHackney Carriage Driver

Overview

Manchester City Council is the licensing authority for taxis and private hire in Manchester. This guide explains the main licence types and usual application stages. Smart Taxi Solutions is independent from Manchester City Council. Final licensing decisions are made by the council. Always confirm the current requirements on the official council page.

Which licence types the council offers

Manchester typically offers:

  • Private Hire Driver Licence — pre-booked journeys only.
  • Hackney Carriage Driver Licence — rank and hail work.

A dual driver licence may or may not be available. Please confirm with the council.

Eligibility

Applicants must usually be at least 18, hold a full driving licence for a qualifying period, and be entitled to work in the UK. Confirm the current eligibility criteria with the council.

Driving licence requirements

A full UK or equivalent driving licence is required, normally held for a minimum period. Confirm the council's current minimum period.

DBS requirements

An enhanced DBS check is normally required. Registering with the DBS Update Service is often expected so the check remains live.

Medical requirements

A medical assessment, often to DVLA Group 2 standard, is usually required. Confirm the council's current medical form.

Knowledge test

Manchester may require a knowledge test. Smart Taxi Solutions provides test preparation support and practice software — we do not administer the test.

Topographical test

Where a topographical test applies, it assesses map-reading and route planning. Confirm whether Manchester currently requires this.

Safeguarding and English requirements

Safeguarding awareness and English language requirements, where they apply, should be confirmed with the council.

Application process and typical stages

  1. Confirm eligibility and gather documents.
  2. Complete the DBS check and medical.
  3. Apply to the council.
  4. Complete any required tests.
  5. Receive a decision from the council.

Fees

Fees vary and change. Always confirm current fees on the official council page.

Renewal

Licences are normally granted for a set period. Confirm renewal requirements with the council.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming Manchester's process matches another council's.
  • Not confirming current test and medical requirements.
  • Using out-of-date information.

What Smart Taxi Solutions can help with

We provide administrative support, document preparation assistance and test preparation. We do not issue licences or make licensing decisions.

What the council is responsible for

The council decides applications, administers tests, sets fees and enforces the licence.

Official council website

Always check the official page: https://www.manchester.gov.uk/info/200006/taxi_and_private_hire

Information last checked: 28 August 2026. Requirements change — please confirm the current details with the council.

Official Manchester 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 Manchester application? Smart Taxi Solutions provides application support, document preparation and test preparation. View our services or contact us.