Taxi licence in Liverpool: cost, how to apply and how long it takes
Written by Sam Allcock · Last updated 23 August 2026 · Facts checked against Liverpool City Council's own published pages on the date above
A new Liverpool City Council taxi or private hire driver licence costs £180 for 3 years, or £75 for a 1-year licence if you're over 65 (Liverpool City Council, 23 August 2026).
On top of the licence fee, you'll need to pass the Liverpool Standard qualification and the council's Street Knowledge Test (£70), plus an enhanced DBS certificate costing £78.99.
This page sets out Liverpool'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 Liverpool 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 Liverpool?
Liverpool requires new drivers to pass the Liverpool Standard Part 1, a Vocational Related Qualification, before they can even be considered for a licence - separate from, and in addition to, the council's own Street Knowledge Test (Liverpool City Council, 23 August 2026).
Liverpool also builds age-based renewal checkpoints into its medical requirements: updated medical certificates are needed at ages 45, 50, 55, 60 and 65, on top of the certificate every new applicant needs.
What does a Liverpool taxi or private hire driver licence cost?
Liverpool City Council's own guidance sets out the driver licence fee plus separate costs for the knowledge test and DBS check (Liverpool City Council, 23 August 2026).
The Liverpool Standard Part 1 qualification is a separate cost, payable to Unite Taxi Education, the council's approved training provider - contact them for current fees. Read Liverpool City Council's step-by-step driver guide →
✓ Checked against Liverpool City Council, 23 August 2026
What do you need to apply in Liverpool?
| Requirement | Liverpool's standard |
|---|---|
| Liverpool Standard Part 1 | A Vocational Related Qualification you must pass before you can be considered for a new licence, via Unite Taxi Education |
| Street Knowledge Test | £70, taken after the Liverpool Standard Part 1 |
| Enhanced DBS | £78.99, must be issued within the past 6 weeks when submitted; sign up to the DBS Update Service for renewals |
| Medical | Required for all new applicants; renewal applicants need updated certificates at ages 45, 50, 55, 60 and 65 |
How do you apply for a Liverpool taxi licence?
You apply directly to Liverpool City Council, following its published step-by-step guide for new drivers (Liverpool City Council, 23 August 2026).
- Complete the Liverpool Standard Part 1 qualification with Unite Taxi Education.
- Book and pass the Street Knowledge Test (£70).
- Apply for your enhanced DBS certificate (£78.99), making sure it's issued within 6 weeks of submitting your application.
- Arrange your medical certificate and gather your supporting documents.
- Submit your application and pay the driver licence fee - £180 for 3 years, or £75 for 1 year if you're over 65.
How long does a Liverpool taxi licence take?
Liverpool City Council says it will take up to 10 working days to process your application if you've supplied all the correct information - and longer if you haven't (Liverpool City Council, 23 August 2026).
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Liverpool taxi licence cost?
£180 for a new 3-year driver licence, or £75 for a 1-year licence if you're over 65, plus a £70 Street Knowledge Test and a £78.99 enhanced DBS certificate.
What is the Liverpool Standard?
A Vocational Related Qualification (Part 1) you must pass with Unite Taxi Education before you can be considered for a new Liverpool taxi or private hire driver licence.
How old can my enhanced DBS certificate be when I apply in Liverpool?
It must have been issued within the past 6 weeks - the council recommends registering with the DBS Update Service to make future renewals easier.
How long does a Liverpool taxi licence application take?
Up to 10 working days if you've submitted everything correctly, according to Liverpool City Council - longer if information is missing.
Where do I actually apply for a Liverpool taxi licence?
Directly with Liverpool City Council, following its published step-by-step guide - 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 Liverpool 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 Liverpool City Council's licensing team directly.