Taxi licence in Birmingham: cost, how to apply and how long it takes
Written by Sam Allcock · Last updated 23 August 2026 · Facts checked against Birmingham City Council's own published pages on the date above
In Birmingham, a hackney carriage (taxi) driver licence and a private hire driver licence are priced the same by Birmingham City Council - £277 for a new 3-year application, or £225 to renew - and both need a knowledge test booked through the council's approved provider, TTC Group (Birmingham City Council, 23 August 2026).
These figures come from the council's own licensing fees and charges page, last updated 20 March 2026.
This page sets out Birmingham's own fee and process detail - for the wider system, see our taxi and private hire hub, and for the general driver process, see how to become a taxi driver.
This is general information sourced from Birmingham City Council's own website, not professional or legal advice - always confirm current fees and requirements with the council directly before you apply.
What's different about taxi licensing in Birmingham?
Birmingham licenses hackney carriage and private hire drivers separately, but currently charges the same fee for both - £277 new, £225 to renew, each on a 3-year basis (Birmingham City Council, 23 August 2026).
The other thing that sets Birmingham apart is who runs the knowledge test: it isn't done in-house by council staff, but organised and conducted by TTC Group on the council's behalf, and you book it directly with them.
What does a Birmingham taxi or private hire driver licence cost?
Birmingham publishes one clear fee for each licence type - there's no separate breakdown into application, test and DBS fees on the council's public fee schedule (Birmingham City Council, 23 August 2026).
The council's fee page doesn't list the DBS check or knowledge test as separate charges - check with TTC Group and the council's DBS portal for those costs directly. Read Birmingham City Council's fee schedule →
✓ Checked against Birmingham City Council, page last updated 20 March 2026
What do you need to apply in Birmingham?
Birmingham's published guidance confirms a knowledge test and a DBS/character check are required, though the council's page doesn't spell out every detail (such as its exact medical standard or minimum driving experience) as clearly as some other authorities (Birmingham City Council, 23 August 2026).
| Requirement | Birmingham's standard |
|---|---|
| Knowledge test | Mandatory, organised and conducted by TTC Group - book at birminghamcityprivatehire@ttc-uk.com; optional preparation training available |
| DBS / character check | A conviction disclosures check and/or evidence of previous good character, applied for online via the council's DBS portal |
| Medical standard | Referenced in the council's downloadable driver guidance document - the exact standard isn't published on the main page, so download the guide or ask the council directly |
| Safeguarding training | Not itemised separately on the council's page - check the driver guidance document for current requirements |
| Minimum driving experience | Not stated on the pages we could access - confirm with the council directly |
How do you apply for a Birmingham taxi licence?
You apply directly to Birmingham City Council, but the knowledge test itself is booked separately with TTC Group rather than through the council (Birmingham City Council, 23 August 2026).
- Read the council's driver guidance for taxi drivers, private hire drivers and operators.
- Book and pass your knowledge test with TTC Group.
- Complete your DBS/character check through the council's online DBS portal.
- Download and complete the application form, once you've passed the knowledge test, with the supporting documents listed in the guidance.
- Pay the £277 fee and submit your application to the council.
How long does a Birmingham taxi licence take?
We couldn't confirm a published processing timescale on Birmingham City Council's own taxi licensing pages during our research (Birmingham City Council, 23 August 2026) - so the safest approach is to ask the council directly once you've booked your knowledge test, and build in time for TTC Group's test scheduling and your DBS check to come back.
Frequently asked questions
Does Birmingham charge different fees for hackney carriage and private hire drivers?
No - both currently cost £277 for a new 3-year application and £225 to renew, according to Birmingham City Council's published fee schedule.
Who runs the Birmingham taxi knowledge test?
TTC Group, on behalf of Birmingham City Council - you book it directly with them rather than through the council.
How much does the DBS check cost in Birmingham?
Not published as a separate figure on the council's main fee page - it's applied for through the council's online DBS portal, so check the current cost there.
How long does it take to get a Birmingham taxi licence?
Birmingham City Council doesn't publish a fixed processing timescale on its main pages - contact the council directly for a realistic estimate based on current demand.
Where do I actually apply for a Birmingham taxi licence?
Directly with Birmingham City Council, after booking and passing your knowledge test with TTC Group - there's no fee-saving shortcut, and you don't need a paid service to submit it.
apply for licence is an independent guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to Birmingham City Council, GOV.UK or any government body. This page is general information, not legal or professional advice - for anything specific to your application, contact Birmingham City Council's licensing team directly.