Taxi licence in Edinburgh: cost, how to apply and how long it takes
Written by Sam Allcock · Last updated 23 August 2026 · Facts checked against the City of Edinburgh Council's own published pages on the date above
The City of Edinburgh Council doesn't accept taxi driver applications online - you have to visit the Licensing Hub at 33 Murrayburn Road in person for document verification, photography and submission (City of Edinburgh Council, 23 August 2026).
New applicants complete foundation training, and since 2 November 2023 everyone renewing has had to attend a mandatory 3-day Intermediate Training Course costing £326.
This page sets out Edinburgh's own published 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 the City of Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh?
Edinburgh is one of the few licensing authorities that won't let you apply online at all - every application, whether new or renewal, has to be handled in person at the council's Licensing Hub (City of Edinburgh Council, 23 August 2026).
The council also runs a two-tier training system: a foundation course for new applicants (mandatory since 2 November 2020) and a separate 3-day Intermediate Training Course for everyone renewing (mandatory since 2 November 2023) - both on top of your topographical assessment.
What does an Edinburgh taxi driver licence cost?
Edinburgh publishes a downloadable fee list rather than a single figure on its main licence pages, and the exact new-driver grant fee wasn't independently confirmed against that document during this research pass (City of Edinburgh Council, 23 August 2026).
A single topographical assessment fee is included within the new driver application fee. Read the City of Edinburgh Council's taxi driver licence page →
✓ Checked against City of Edinburgh Council, 23 August 2026 - the exact new-driver grant fee should be confirmed against the council's own downloadable fee list before you budget.
What do you need to apply in Edinburgh?
| Requirement | Edinburgh's standard |
|---|---|
| Foundation training | Mandatory for new applicants since 2 November 2020 |
| Intermediate Training Course | Mandatory 3-day course for renewals since 2 November 2023, £326 |
| Topographical assessment | Included within the new driver application fee; extra assessments cost more - confirm the current resit fee with the council |
| Medical examination | Required as part of the licensing process |
| Police check | Required; criminal conviction checks from overseas need embassy-verified translation |
| Application method | In person only, at the Licensing Hub, 33 Murrayburn Road, EH14 2TF |
How do you apply for an Edinburgh taxi licence?
Every application - new or renewal - has to be submitted in person at Edinburgh's Licensing Hub, which is open Monday to Thursday 08:30-16:30 and Friday 08:30-15:30 (City of Edinburgh Council, 23 August 2026).
- Complete your foundation training (new applicants) or the 3-day Intermediate Training Course (renewals, £326).
- Book and pass your topographical assessment.
- Get your medical examination and, if applicable, your overseas criminal conviction check translated and embassy-verified.
- Visit the Licensing Hub at 33 Murrayburn Road, EH14 2TF, with your documents for verification, photography and submission.
- Pay your driver licence fee as set out on the council's downloadable fee list.
How long does an Edinburgh taxi licence take?
The City of Edinburgh Council's published taxi driver licence page doesn't set out a fixed processing timescale (City of Edinburgh Council, 23 August 2026) - because every application has to be handled in person, book your Licensing Hub visit well ahead of when you need your licence.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for an Edinburgh taxi licence online?
No - the City of Edinburgh Council requires every application, new or renewal, to be submitted in person at its Licensing Hub, 33 Murrayburn Road, EH14 2TF.
What training does Edinburgh require to renew a taxi licence?
A mandatory 3-day Intermediate Training Course costing £326, in place since 2 November 2023, plus lunch and refreshments each day.
What training do new Edinburgh taxi drivers need?
Mandatory foundation training, in place since 2 November 2020, alongside a topographical assessment included in the new-driver application fee.
How much does an Edinburgh taxi licence cost?
The exact driver licence grant fee is set out in the council's downloadable fee list - check this directly with Edinburgh's Licensing Hub, as it wasn't independently confirmed from that document during this research pass. The mandatory renewal Intermediate Training Course costs £326.
What checks does Edinburgh carry out?
A medical examination and a police check are both required; criminal conviction checks from overseas need to be verified and translated by a UK-based embassy.
apply for licence is an independent guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the City of Edinburgh Council, GOV.UK, the Scottish Government or any government body. This page is general information, not legal or professional advice - for anything specific to your application, contact the City of Edinburgh Council's Licensing Hub directly.