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Rochdale Taxi Licence Guide

Greater Manchester

Information last checked: 28 August 2026

Private Hire DriverHackney Carriage Driver

This guide provides an overview of the requirements and procedures for obtaining a taxi or private hire driver licence from Rochdale Borough Council. Whether you are a new applicant or looking to renew, understanding these steps is essential for a successful application.

Overview

Rochdale Borough Council acts as the licensing authority for all taxi and private hire activities within the borough. The primary goal of the licensing process is to ensure public safety by verifying that all drivers are "fit and proper" persons to hold a licence [1], [13]. The process involves several background checks, medical assessments, and local knowledge tests.

Licence types the council offers

Rochdale offers three main types of driver licences:

  • Private Hire Driver Licence: For driving vehicles that must be pre-booked through a licensed operator [13].
  • Hackney Carriage Driver Licence: For driving traditional taxis that can be hailed in the street or stand at a taxi rank [7].
  • Combined Driver Licence: A dual badge that allows the holder to drive both Hackney Carriage and Private Hire vehicles [7], [13].

Eligibility

To be eligible for a licence in Rochdale, you must:

  • Be at least 21 years of age [2].
  • Have the legal right to work in the UK [13].
  • Demonstrate that you are a "fit and proper" person through various background checks [13].

Driving licence requirements

Applicants must hold a full UK/GB driving licence. Rochdale Borough Council requires that you have held this licence for a minimum of 12 months before applying [13]. You will also be required to provide a DVLA check code so the council can review your driving history and any penalty points [10].

DBS requirements

A mandatory requirement for all drivers is an Enhanced DBS certificate for the "Taxi Driver (Other Workforce)" category [2]. Rochdale Council partners with TaxiPlus to facilitate these criminal record checks [2].

  • Update Service: Once you receive your certificate, you must register with the DBS Update Service. This allows the council to perform periodic checks to ensure you remain a fit and proper person [2], [5].

Medical requirements

All applicants must meet the DVLA Group 2 medical standards, which are the same standards required for HGV and bus drivers [6], [13].

  • The medical examination must be performed by a GMC-registered doctor [6].
  • The doctor will assess your vision, cardiovascular health, and general physical and mental fitness [6].
  • You must use the specific Rochdale Council medical form during your appointment [16].

Knowledge test

To ensure drivers can navigate the borough efficiently without relying solely on GPS, Rochdale requires applicants to pass an area knowledge test [13]. This test typically covers local landmarks, street names, and the most efficient routes between locations within the Rochdale area.

Topographical test

While some authorities separate map-reading (topographical) skills from general knowledge, Rochdale often integrates these into their testing framework. Please confirm the current requirement with the relevant council [13].

Safeguarding and English requirements

Modern licensing standards in Greater Manchester often include mandatory safeguarding awareness training to help drivers identify and report risks to vulnerable passengers. Additionally, a basic level of English proficiency is usually required to ensure clear communication with passengers and emergency services. Please confirm the current requirement with the relevant council [13], [15].

Application process

The application is submitted through the Rochdale Borough Council website [2].

  1. Online Form: Complete the initial application and pay the fee online [2].
  2. Statutory Declaration: You must submit a Statutory Declaration that has been signed or stamped by a Solicitor or Commissioner for Oaths. This document must be dated within one month of your application submission [2].

Typical stages

  1. Initial Application: Submit the online form and pay the fee [2].
  2. Background Checks: Complete the Enhanced DBS via TaxiPlus and register for the Update Service [2].
  3. Medical Assessment: Book and pass a Group 2 medical exam [6].
  4. Testing: Sit and pass the council’s knowledge and/or safeguarding tests [13].
  5. Document Submission: Provide your driving licence, right-to-work documents, and Statutory Declaration [2], [10].

Fees

As of 2026, the approximate fees for driver licences in Rochdale are:

  • Single Driver Licence (1 year): £110 [13].
  • Single Driver Licence (3 years): £258 [13].
  • Combined Badge (1 year): £168 [13].
  • Combined Badge (3 years): £420 [13].

Renewal

Drivers are responsible for renewing their licences before they expire. A key part of the renewal process is the HMRC Tax Check. You must obtain a tax check code from the government website to prove you are registered for tax before the council can process your renewal [5].

Common mistakes

  • Expired Declarations: Submitting a Statutory Declaration that is older than one month [2].
  • DBS Delays: Failing to register for the DBS Update Service within the required timeframe after receiving a certificate [2].
  • Incorrect Medicals: Using a general medical form instead of the specific Rochdale Council version [16].

What Smart Taxi Solutions can help with

Smart Taxi Solutions is an independent service provider and does NOT issue licences. The final licensing decision is made exclusively by Rochdale Borough Council. We provide support by helping drivers organize their paperwork, prepare for knowledge tests, and understand the administrative steps required to submit a complete application.

What the council is responsible for

Rochdale Borough Council is responsible for:

  • Setting the standards and policies for local taxi and private hire trade [12].
  • Reviewing all applications and conducting background checks [1].
  • Making the final decision to grant, refuse, or revoke a licence [5].
  • Enforcing licensing conditions to ensure public safety [12].

Official council website

For the most current forms, fee updates, and policy documents, always refer to the official Rochdale Borough Council website [1].

Information last checked: 28 August 2026.

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