Free Taxi Badge Advice: Find the Right Route for You
Getting a taxi badge can feel confusing, because every council has its own rules. Answer four quick questions and we'll gladly help you find the council and licence that suit you best. There are no documents to send, no payment and no obligation.
Prefer to talk it through?
Message us and an adviser will help you choose the right route before you pay for anything.
Message us on WhatsApp Contact usThis is guidance only, not an official eligibility or licensing decision. Councils and TfL make all licensing decisions. Training does not guarantee a licence or approval.
Here's how our free route check works
No jargon and no pressure, just a friendly chat to point you the right way.
Tell us a little about you
Pop us a few details: where you'd like to work, whether you fancy a taxi or a private hire licence, and roughly when you'd like to get going. It only takes a minute.
We'll suggest a route
Based on what you tell us, we'll point you towards the council and licence that look like the best fit. And if the answer isn't obvious, we'll be honest and tell you that too.
Let's talk it through
One of our advisers will give you a call, answer all your questions and explain what happens next. It's free, and there are no strings attached.
So, which route is right for you?
Honestly, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Here are the three big questions that shape your journey, so let's take them one at a time.
Taxi or private hire?
A taxi (hackney carriage) is the one you can wave down in the street or pick up from a rank. A private hire car works differently, because it always has to be booked in advance through a licensed operator.
The two are licensed separately, and the tests, vehicles and costs can be different. So think about how you'd like to work day to day, and choose the one that suits you.
Which council should I go with?
In most cases you'll apply to the council covering the area where you want to work, because that's the council that licenses both you and your vehicle.
Fees, tests and waiting times can vary quite a bit from one council to the next, so a quick chat before you apply can save you a fair bit of time and money.
What if I want to work in London?
London works a little differently. Driver licences there come from Transport for London (TfL) rather than a local council.
TfL has its own requirements and tests, so it's worth getting some advice early if London is where you're heading.
What you'll usually need before you apply
Every council has its own rules, so we'll confirm the exact list for yours. But most will ask for these.
Already know where you want to work?
Brilliant. Tap your council to see what's involved there and how we can help.
Wondering what it'll all cost?
Totally fair question! Our free calculator gives you an estimate of the badge, DBS, medical, test and vehicle costs for your council. Just remember they're only estimates, so please double-check the exact fees with your official council before you apply.
Try the cost calculatorTaxi badge questions, answered
Here are the things people ask us most. Can't see yours? Just give us a call.
How do I get a taxi badge?
It's simpler than it sounds. You pick your council, complete the checks and tests it asks for (usually an enhanced DBS check, a medical and a knowledge test), send in your application and fee, and then the council makes its decision. Our free route check helps you work out where to start.
Which council is the easiest to get a taxi licence from?
There isn't really an "easiest" one. Requirements, fees and waiting times all differ, and you generally need to apply to the council where you want to work. Chat to one of our advisers and they'll talk through the options for your situation.
Can I apply to any council?
Usually you'd apply to the council where you want to work, because it licenses both you and your vehicle. Some drivers pick a council with simpler requirements, but you can only work within the rules of the council that licensed you.
What is the difference between a taxi and a private hire licence?
A taxi (hackney carriage) can be hailed on the street or picked up from a rank. A private hire car always has to be booked in advance through a licensed operator. They're licensed separately, so the requirements and costs can be different.
How long does it take to get a taxi badge?
It depends on your council and how quickly your checks and tests get done. The council makes the final call, so we can't promise a timescale, but we'll help you avoid delays caused by missing information.
Do I need my own vehicle to apply?
Not always. Many councils license the driver and the vehicle separately, so you can often apply for your driver licence first. Some drivers also work for an operator who provides the car. It's worth checking your council's rules.
Is the free route check really free?
Yes, it really is. The route check and the chat with an adviser are free, with no payment and no obligation to buy anything from us.
Does UK Taxi College issue licences?
No, we don't, and we want to be upfront about that. We're an independent training and application-support provider. Your council or Transport for London makes every licensing decision, and training can't guarantee approval or how long it takes.