All council guides

St Helens Taxi Licence Guide

Merseyside

Information last checked: 28 August 2026

Private Hire DriverHackney Carriage Driver

This guide provides an overview of the taxi and private hire driver licensing process for St Helens Borough Council.

Disclaimer: Smart Taxi Solutions is an independent service provider and does NOT issue licences. The council makes the final decision on all licensing applications. Always verify current requirements directly via the official council website at https://www.sthelens.gov.uk.

Overview

To work as a taxi or private hire driver in St Helens, you must be licensed by the local authority. The process is designed to ensure that all drivers are "fit and proper" to transport the public safely.

Licence types the council offers

St Helens Council issues licences for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire drivers. You should confirm with the licensing department which specific licence type aligns with your intended work.

Eligibility

Generally, applicants must be aged 18 or older and be a resident of the borough. You must satisfy the council that you are a "fit and proper" person to hold a licence, which includes a thorough review of your background and driving history.

Driving licence requirements

You must hold a full UK driving licence. While some authorities require you to have held this for a specific period (e.g., two years), please confirm the current requirement with the relevant council.

DBS requirements

All applicants must undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. St Helens Council currently uses an external supplier, Taxi Plus, to facilitate this process and verify digital identification. You will be required to provide all requested documentation to complete this check.

Medical requirements

You must provide a medical report confirming you meet the DVLA Group 2 medical standards. This ensures you are physically and mentally fit to drive professionally. You may need to use a specific medical form provided by the council.

Knowledge test

Applicants are typically required to pass a test to demonstrate their knowledge of the local area (topography) and their understanding of the responsibilities of a licensed driver. Please confirm the current format and syllabus with the relevant council.

Safeguarding and English requirements

The council prioritizes passenger safety. You may be required to complete safeguarding training (such as awareness of Child Sexual Exploitation) and demonstrate a sufficient level of English proficiency. Please confirm the current requirement with the relevant council.

Application process

The application process is managed through the council’s licensing department. You will need to gather all supporting documents—including your DBS certificate, medical report, and driving licence—before submitting your application. Incomplete applications cannot be processed.

Typical stages

  1. Initial Contact: Register your interest or book an appointment with the licensing team.
  2. DBS & ID: Complete the Enhanced DBS check via the council’s designated provider.
  3. Medical: Arrange and pass your Group 2 medical examination.
  4. Testing: Complete the required knowledge and/or skills assessments.
  5. Submission: Submit your full application pack with all required fees.
  6. Decision: The council reviews your application to determine if you are a "fit and proper" person.

Fees

Fees are subject to change. As of recent records, a new 3-year driver's licence is £199, and a 1-year licence is £98, plus an application fee of £27.50. Additional costs apply for the DBS check (£75.50) and DVLA history checks. Always check the official fee schedule for the most up-to-date pricing.

Renewal

Licences must be renewed before they expire. The renewal process involves submitting updated documentation, such as a new medical report or DBS check, if required by the council’s current policy.

Common mistakes

  • Submitting incomplete applications or missing pages of documents.
  • Using corrector fluid or making errors on paper forms.
  • Failing to provide all required identification for the digital DBS check.
  • Not booking appointments in advance for document verification.

What Smart Taxi Solutions can help with

Smart Taxi Solutions is an independent service provider. We can offer guidance and support to help you navigate the application requirements, but we do not issue licences. The council remains the sole authority for granting or refusing your licence.

What the council is responsible for

St Helens Borough Council is responsible for setting licensing policies, conducting background checks, administering tests, and issuing the final driver’s badge. They also handle complaints and ensure compliance with local regulations.

Official council website

For the most accurate and current information, visit the official council website: https://www.sthelens.gov.uk.

Information last checked: 28 August 2026.

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