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Test Valley Taxi Licence Guide

Hampshire

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’s licence through Test Valley Borough Council. Whether you intend to drive a Hackney Carriage or a Private Hire Vehicle (PHV), you must meet specific criteria to ensure public safety and service quality.

Overview

Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) is the licensing authority responsible for regulating the taxi trade within the borough, including Andover and Romsey. The primary objective of the licensing process is to ensure that every driver is a "fit and proper person" to hold a licence Driver licensing –advice for applicants/apply for a licence. This involves rigorous checks on an applicant’s background, driving history, medical fitness, and local knowledge.

Licence types the council offers

The council typically issues a combined Hackney Carriage and Private Hire driver’s licence, which allows the holder to drive both types of licensed vehicles Driver licensing –advice for applicants/apply for a licence.

Additionally, the council may offer a "Restricted Driver Licence." This specific type of licence is often intended for specialist services and may not require the applicant to pass the local topography test, though all other "fit and proper" requirements still apply Taxi Licensing Policy – Restricted Driver Licence.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a licence in Test Valley, you must:

Driving licence requirements

Applicants must have held a full UK or European driving licence for at least one year prior to their application Driver licensing –advice for applicants/apply for a licence. As part of the process, you must provide consent for the council to perform a driving history check with the DVLA to review any endorsements or disqualifications.

DBS requirements

Safety is a priority, so all new applicants must undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check Driver licensing –advice for applicants/apply for a licence. This check reveals spent and unspent convictions, cautions, and other relevant police information. Most councils now require drivers to subscribe to the DBS Update Service to allow for ongoing monitoring, but please confirm the current requirement with the relevant council.

Medical requirements

Applicants must prove they are medically fit to drive professionally. You are required to provide a medical report certifying that you meet the Group 2 standard of fitness, which is the same standard required for HGV and bus drivers Driver licensing –advice for applicants/apply for a licence. This medical assessment must be completed by a practitioner who has full access to your medical records.

Knowledge test

To ensure drivers can navigate the borough efficiently and safely, the council requires applicants to pass a knowledge test. This assessment covers:

Topographical test

The topographical element is integrated into the council’s knowledge test. It assesses your ability to plan routes and identify key locations within the Test Valley area without relying solely on GPS Driver licensing –advice for applicants/apply for a licence. As noted, those applying for a Restricted Driver Licence may be exempt from this specific requirement Taxi Licensing Policy – Restricted Driver Licence.

Safeguarding and English requirements

While many councils require a specific safeguarding training course and a formal English language assessment, the current public guidance for Test Valley focuses on the "responsibilities of a licensed driver" within their knowledge test. Please confirm the current requirement with the relevant council regarding whether a standalone safeguarding certificate or English test is mandatory.

Application process

The application process is primarily handled online. You must fully complete the driver’s licence application form and submit it alongside all required supporting documentation Driver licensing –advice for applicants/apply for a licence. The council uses an online portal that allows for the submission of forms and the payment of fees via debit card Operator licensing – advice for applicants/apply for a licence.

Typical stages

  1. Preparation: Gather your driving licence and proof of right to work.
  2. Medical & DBS: Book your Group 2 medical and initiate the Enhanced DBS check.
  3. Application Submission: Complete the online form and pay the initial fees.
  4. Testing: Schedule and pass the Knowledge and Topography test.
  5. Review: The council reviews all checks (DBS, DVLA, Medical, and Test results).
  6. Grant: If successful, your licence and badge are issued.

Fees

Based on 2026 data, the fees for driver licensing in Test Valley are as follows Taxi & private hire licence fees in Test Valley (2026) - TaxiTools:

  • New Driver Licence (1 Year): £106
  • New Driver Licence (3 Year): £121
  • Knowledge Test Resit: £30
  • DBS and Medical Fees: These are paid separately to the relevant providers.

Renewal

Licences can be renewed for either a one-year or three-year period.

Common mistakes

  • Incomplete Applications: Submitting a form without all the necessary documents will lead to immediate rejection Vehicle Licensing – advice for applicants/apply for a licence.
  • Medical Records: Attending a medical exam with a doctor who does not have access to your full medical history.
  • Test Preparation: Underestimating the difficulty of the local topography and Highway Code questions.

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 documentation, help you understand the application stages, and provide resources to prepare for your tests.

Please note: Smart Taxi Solutions is an independent entity and does NOT issue licences. The final decision on all licensing matters rests solely with Test Valley Borough Council.

What the council is responsible for

Test Valley Borough Council is responsible for setting licensing policy, conducting knowledge tests, reviewing background checks, and making the final decision on whether an applicant is "fit and proper." They also handle the enforcement of licensing conditions and the renewal of existing badges.

Official council website

For the most up-to-date forms, policy documents, and fee schedules, always visit the official Test Valley Borough Council website: https://www.testvalley.gov.uk.

Information last checked: 28 August 2026.

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