Licensing and permits

Apply for a new licence, step-by-step guide

A new applicant is someone who has never been granted a taxi licence by Liverpool City Council, or someone whose licence expired one or more months ago.

What do I need to do?

Before you can apply for a new taxi licence there are a number of steps you must follow. Please complete each step in the order below. 

1. Produce a Certificate of Good Conduct

If you have lived outside the UK for three or more months since the age of 18, you will need to show us an original Certificate of Good Conduct from the country or countries you lived in.

Find out how to get a Certificate of Good Conduct and get it checked by us

2. Get your enhanced DBS

Our approved partner TaxiPlus will complete your enhanced DBS on your behalf.  

Find out how to apply for a DBS

You must have a full, enhanced DBS certificate issued in the past six weeks. Please sign up to the DBS update service so your DBS is up to date when you next renew your licence.

3. Get your DVLA driving licence check code

You must have a DVLA driving licence check code to complete your application form. 

Find out how to generate a DVLA licence check code

4. Pass the Liverpool Standard Part 1

The Liverpool Standard Part 1 is a Vocational Related Qualification which you must pass in order to be considered for a new licence.

Book a Liverpool Standard Part 1 test

5. Pass the Street Knowledge Test and get ID checked

Once you have received your DBS, generated a DVLA check code and have your Liverpool Standard Part 1 Certificate, you can book your Street Knowledge Test. You must bring your ID and Right to Work documents with you to be checked.

Book your test and find out what documents you must bring

6. Get a medical certificate

All new applicants need a medical certificate. Anyone renewing their licence will need a new medical certificate every five years at the ages of 45, 50, 55, 60 and 65.

Find out how to get a medical certificate

7. Apply for your licence

To apply for your licence, please complete the online application form below.

Apply for your taxi driver licence online now

What happens next?

When you have completed this form, you will receive another email with a link to upload the proof documents you have obtained in steps 1-5, including a passport photo. These can be scanned documents or clear photographs.

We will not be able to issue your licence until we receive and validate them. If you have supplied all the correct information, it will take up to 10 working days for us to process your application, and longer if not.

You can no longer submit any documents by email as they will not be processed. Need some guidance on uploading the proof documents? Watch or read the 'how to' guide.

How much will a new licence cost me?

We cannot refund fees if you withdraw your application at any point, or if your application is unsuccessful.

Fees
Type of fee or certificate Amount
Liverpool Standard Part 1 Certificate Contact our only approved training provider Unite Taxi Education
Street Knowledge Test £70
Medical Certificate Fees vary from one doctor to another
Enhanced DBS including online ID verification

£78.99
Licence issue fee (once licence has been granted) £180 (three-year licence)
£75.00 for over 65’s only (one-year licence)

Further information

The 'Guidance notes for taxi and private hire drivers' below is currently under review. Details of how taxi drivers need to generate a DVLA check code are up to date on this website, however, the document needs to be amended to reflect this change.