Taxi licence in Kirklees: cost, how to apply and how long it takes
Written by Sam Allcock · Last updated 23 August 2026 · Facts checked against Kirklees Council's own published pages on the date above
Kirklees Council issues a single taxi driver licence covering both hackney carriage and private hire work, priced at £329.50 for the full 3-year term, plus a separate £132.65 theory training course you book before you apply (Kirklees Council, 23 August 2026).
Applications run through Kirklees' DSFX online portal, which the council says takes around 15 minutes to complete once your training and checks are done.
This page sets out Kirklees' 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 Kirklees 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 Kirklees?
Kirklees prices its driver licence as a single 3-year fee rather than offering shorter terms, and requires an ESOL Entry 3 English assessment alongside its theory test - a requirement not every council applies (Kirklees Council, 23 August 2026).
The council has also confirmed a phased fee increase - 3% up to 31 March 2026, then a further 2% (or the rate of inflation if lower) in 2026/27 and again in 2027/28 - so the figures on this page may rise on those dates.
What does a Kirklees taxi driver licence cost?
Kirklees splits its costs between the driver licence itself, the mandatory theory training course, and DBS-related charges (Kirklees Council, 23 August 2026).
For reference, a new private hire vehicle licence costs £202.25, and the taxi compliance test is £55 (£60 with a public MOT certificate). Read Kirklees Council's full driver licence page →
✓ Checked against Kirklees Council, 23 August 2026
What do you need to apply in Kirklees?
| Requirement | Kirklees' standard |
|---|---|
| Medical | Group 2 GP medical, mandatory |
| English assessment | ESOL Entry 3 standard |
| Theory test | Includes safeguarding and equalities content, £132.65 course fee |
| Practical driving test | Mandatory |
| Enhanced DBS check | £67.50, plus £12.50 Post Office ID verification and £13/year Update Service |
How do you apply for a Kirklees taxi licence?
You apply through Kirklees' DSFX online portal, which the council says takes around 15 minutes once your training, tests and checks are complete (Kirklees Council, 23 August 2026).
- Book and complete your theory training course (£132.65), covering the Group 2 medical, ESOL Entry 3 English standard, safeguarding and equalities content.
- Pass your practical driving test and any additional assessments required (£35 each).
- Apply for your enhanced DBS check (£67.50) and complete Post Office document verification (£12.50).
- Sign up to the DBS Update Service (£13 up front, then annually).
- Submit your application via the DSFX portal and pay the £329.50 driver licence fee.
How long does a Kirklees taxi licence take?
Kirklees Council's published driver licence page doesn't set out a fixed working-day processing timescale (Kirklees Council, 23 August 2026) - most of the time in practice goes on booking and completing your theory training course and waiting for your DBS certificate, so build that in before you expect a decision.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Kirklees taxi licence cost?
The driver licence itself is £329.50 for the 3-year term, plus a £132.65 theory training course and DBS-related costs of roughly £93 (£67.50 check, £12.50 verification, £13 Update Service sign-up).
Do Kirklees taxi fees change during 2026?
Yes - the council has confirmed a 3% increase up to 31 March 2026, then a further rise (2% or inflation, whichever is lower) in both 2026/27 and 2027/28.
What English standard does Kirklees require?
An ESOL Entry 3 assessment, alongside the theory and practical driving tests.
Where do I apply for a Kirklees taxi licence?
Online, through Kirklees Council's DSFX portal - the council says the form itself takes around 15 minutes once your training and checks are complete.
What medical does Kirklees require?
A Group 2 GP medical, the same standard used for HGV and PSV drivers.
apply for licence is an independent guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to Kirklees Council, GOV.UK or any government body. This page is general information, not legal or professional advice - for anything specific to your application, contact Kirklees Council's licensing team directly.