Taxi licence in Leicester: cost, how to apply and how long it takes
Written by Sam Allcock · Last updated 23 August 2026 · Facts checked against Leicester City Council's own published pages on the date above
Leicester City Council prices its taxi and private hire driver licence by both whether you're new or renewing, and by term length - a new 1-year licence costs £121, and a 3-year renewal costs £183 - under fees effective from 1 June 2026 (Leicester City Council, 23 August 2026).
You'll also need a £24 topographical (knowledge) test and, for some applicants, a £90 spoken English assessment through Leicester College.
This page sets out Leicester'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 Leicester 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 Leicester?
Leicester separates its new-applicant fees from its renewal fees, and prices both by term length - so a new 2-year licence and a 2-year renewal cost different amounts (£163 vs £140) (Leicester City Council, 23 August 2026).
Leicester also builds a spoken English assessment (£90, via Leicester College) into its process for some applicants, on top of the £24 topographical knowledge test everyone needs.
What does a Leicester taxi or private hire driver licence cost?
Leicester's fees, effective from 1 June 2026, are set out separately for new applications and renewals (Leicester City Council, 23 August 2026).
Operator licence fees range from £480 (1 vehicle, 1 year) to £3,044 (21+ vehicles, 5 years). Read Leicester City Council's taxi licensing page →
✓ Checked against Leicester City Council, 23 August 2026
What do you need to apply in Leicester?
| Requirement | Leicester's standard |
|---|---|
| Topographical test | £24, required of all driver applicants |
| Spoken English assessment | £90 via Leicester College, required for some applicants |
| Criminal record check | DBS check required |
| Medical | Examination by your own GP required |
How do you apply for a Leicester taxi licence?
You apply through the council's online account system, myaccount.service.leicester.gov.uk (Leicester City Council, 23 August 2026).
- Set up an account at myaccount.service.leicester.gov.uk.
- Book and pass your topographical test (£24) and, if required, your spoken English assessment (£90) via Leicester College.
- Apply for your DBS check and arrange your GP medical examination.
- Submit your application and pay the relevant fee - your fee depends on whether you're a new applicant or renewing, and the term you choose.
How long does a Leicester taxi licence take?
We couldn't confirm a published working-day processing timescale on Leicester City Council's main taxi licensing pages during our research (Leicester City Council, 23 August 2026) - contact the council for a realistic estimate once you've booked your topographical test.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Leicester taxi licence cost?
From £98 for a 1-year renewal up to £183 for a 3-year renewal, or £121-£163 for new applications, effective from 1 June 2026 - plus a £24 topographical test.
Do all Leicester taxi applicants need a spoken English assessment?
The £90 spoken English assessment through Leicester College is required for some applicants, according to the council's published guidance - check with Leicester City Council whether it applies to you.
How much does a Leicester vehicle licence cost?
£224 for either a hackney carriage or private hire vehicle licence, new or renewal, according to the council's fees page.
Where do I apply for a Leicester taxi licence?
Through the council's online account system at myaccount.service.leicester.gov.uk.
Where do I actually apply for a Leicester taxi licence?
Directly with Leicester City Council - 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 Leicester 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 Leicester City Council's licensing team directly.