Taxi licence in Bolton: cost, how to apply and how long it takes
Written by Sam Allcock · Last updated 23 August 2026 · Facts checked against Bolton Council's own published pages on the date above
Bolton Council charges the same new-applicant rate for hackney carriage and private hire drivers - £237 for a 1-year licence or £669 for 3 years - but renewal rates are lower and differ slightly between the two licence types, effective from 1 April 2026 (Bolton Council, 23 August 2026).
You'll also need to budget separately for safeguarding training, a GP medical and an enhanced DBS check before Bolton will grant your licence.
This page sets out Bolton's own published fees and requirements - 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 Bolton 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 Bolton?
Bolton is not currently issuing new hackney carriage vehicle licences, though the driver licence itself is still available - so if you're planning to drive a hackney carriage rather than a private hire vehicle, check current vehicle-licence availability with the council before you commit to training (Bolton Council, 23 August 2026).
Bolton routes its literacy, numeracy and local-area assessments through Bolton College rather than an in-house test, and every assessment has to be dated within 12 months of your application.
What does a Bolton taxi or private hire driver licence cost?
Bolton's fee schedule, effective from 1 April 2026, prices new applications the same for both licence types but splits renewal rates by hackney carriage or private hire (Bolton Council, 23 August 2026).
You'll also need to sign up to the DBS Update Service (£16 per year) to keep your certificate valid. Read Bolton Council's full taxi licensing fees page →
✓ Checked against Bolton Council, 23 August 2026
What do you need to apply in Bolton?
| Requirement | Bolton's standard |
|---|---|
| Literacy, numeracy and local area assessments | Delivered through Bolton College, all dated within 12 months of your application |
| Safeguarding and Disability Awareness Training | Mandatory, £36 |
| Medical standard | DVLA Group II, via a D4 form completed by a UK-registered GP, dated within 4 months of licence issue |
| Enhanced DBS check | £51.50, plus £16/year for the DBS Update Service subscription |
| Minimum driving experience | Held a driving licence for more than 12 months |
How do you apply for a Bolton taxi licence?
Bolton's new-driver guide directs applicants to its licensing unit rather than a fully self-service online portal (Bolton Council, 23 August 2026).
- Complete your Bolton College assessments - literacy, numeracy and local area/taxi law, all within 12 months of applying.
- Book and complete Safeguarding and Disability Awareness Training (£36).
- Get your DVLA Group II medical via a D4 form from a UK-registered GP, dated within 4 months of licence issue.
- Apply for your enhanced DBS check (£51.50) and sign up to the Update Service (£16/year).
- Submit your application and pay your chosen term's fee - contact Bolton's licensing unit to confirm the current process.
How long does a Bolton taxi licence take?
Bolton Council's published new-driver guide doesn't set out a fixed working-day processing timescale (Bolton Council, 23 August 2026) - so build in time for your Bolton College assessments, medical and DBS check to come back before you expect a decision, and confirm current turnaround with the council's licensing unit directly.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Bolton taxi licence cost?
A new driver licence is £237 for 1 year or £669 for 3 years. Renewals are cheaper - £96 (1 year) or £249 (3 years) for hackney carriage, £135 (1 year) or £356 (3 years) for private hire - all effective from 1 April 2026.
Can I get a new hackney carriage vehicle licence in Bolton?
Bolton is not currently issuing new hackney carriage vehicle licences, though the driver licence itself is still available - confirm current vehicle-side availability with the council.
What training does Bolton require?
Literacy, numeracy and local area/taxi law assessments through Bolton College, plus Safeguarding and Disability Awareness Training (£36), all completed within 12 months of your application.
What DBS check does Bolton require?
An enhanced DBS check (£51.50), plus a £16-a-year subscription to the DBS Update Service to keep it current.
What medical standard does Bolton use?
DVLA Group II fitness-to-drive standards, confirmed via a D4 form completed by a UK-registered GP and dated within 4 months of your licence being issued.
apply for licence is an independent guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to Bolton Council, GOV.UK or any government body. This page is general information, not legal or professional advice - for anything specific to your application, contact Bolton Council's licensing team directly.