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Wolverhampton Taxi Licence Guide

West Midlands

Information last checked: 28 August 2026

Private Hire DriverHackney Carriage DriverDual Driver

Overview

Wolverhampton City Council is the licensing authority for taxi and private hire vehicles in the Wolverhampton area. It is one of the councils most commonly applied to by drivers across the UK because it accepts applications from drivers who do not live in Wolverhampton.

This guide explains the main licence types and the usual stages of an application. Smart Taxi Solutions is independent from Wolverhampton City Council. Final licensing decisions are made by the council. Always confirm the current requirements on the official council page before applying.

Which licence types the council offers

Wolverhampton typically offers:

  • Private Hire Driver Licence — allows you to drive a pre-booked private hire vehicle.
  • Hackney Carriage Driver Licence — allows you to pick up fares from a rank or be hailed in the street (where the council issues these).
  • Dual Driver Licence — where available, combines private hire and hackney carriage privileges.

Eligibility

Applicants must usually:

  • Be at least 18 years old (please confirm the current minimum age with the council).
  • Hold a full UK or equivalent driving licence, normally held for a minimum period.
  • Be entitled to work in the UK.

Driving licence requirements

You will normally need a full driving licence held for a qualifying period. Some councils require you to have held the licence for at least 12 months. Please confirm the current requirement with the council.

DBS requirements

An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is normally required. Drivers often need to register with the DBS Update Service so the check can be kept live. The council will confirm whether you need to use a specific DBS provider.

Medical requirements

A medical assessment is usually required, completed by your own GP or an approved medical professional, often to the DVLA Group 2 standard. Please confirm the council's current medical form and requirements.

Knowledge test

Many councils require a knowledge test covering local geography and licensing conditions. Wolverhampton's requirements should be confirmed on the official page. Smart Taxi Solutions provides test preparation support and practice software, not the test itself.

Topographical test

Where a topographical test applies, it assesses map-reading and route planning. Please confirm whether Wolverhampton currently requires this.

Safeguarding and English requirements

Safeguarding awareness is commonly required. 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 over time. Always confirm the current fees on the official council page.

Renewal

Licences are normally granted for a set period (often three years). Renewal requirements should be confirmed with the council.

Common mistakes

  • Not confirming the current requirements before applying.
  • Using an out-of-date medical or DBS process.
  • Assuming another council's process is identical.

What Smart Taxi Solutions can help with

Smart Taxi Solutions provides 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 is responsible for the licence decision, the tests it administers, fees, renewals and enforcement.

Official council website

Always check the official page: https://www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/taxi-and-private-hire

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

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