Private hire driver licence in London: cost, how to apply and how long it takes
Written by Sam Allcock · Last updated 23 August 2026 · Facts checked against Transport for London's own published pages on the date above
Unlike everywhere else in England, private hire driver licences in London are issued by a single authority - Transport for London (TfL) - rather than a local council, so if you plan to work anywhere across Greater London, there's only one place to apply (TfL, 23 August 2026).
The fee is split into a £138 non-refundable application fee and a further £205 grant of licence fee once approved - a combined total of roughly £343, close to the figure TfL has proposed for a 3-year licence from 1 June 2026 as it works to close a licensing budget deficit.
This page is a single guide for the whole of London, since TfL - not individual boroughs - is the licensing authority. For the wider national 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 Transport for London's own website, not professional or legal advice - always confirm current fees and requirements with TfL directly before you apply.
Why is London different from every other part of the UK?
Everywhere else in England, Scotland and Wales, your local council is the licensing authority. In London, it's Transport for London - a single body covering every borough - so there's no "which council do I apply to" question, and no per-borough fee variation (TfL, 23 August 2026).
That's why this is the only page on our site covering "London" as a whole rather than an individual borough: TfL licenses private hire drivers, vehicles and operators across the whole of Greater London under one fee structure and one set of rules.
What does a London (TfL) private hire driver licence cost?
TfL splits its private hire driver licence fee into an application stage and a grant stage, plus separate charges for your DBS check and topographical assessment (TfL, 23 August 2026).
TfL has proposed raising the 3-year private hire driver licence fee from £310 to £343, from 1 June 2026, to reduce a projected licensing budget deficit - check TfL's site for the confirmed current position. Read TfL's private hire driver licence page →
✓ Checked against Transport for London, 23 August 2026
What do you need to apply in London?
| Requirement | TfL's standard |
|---|---|
| Topographical skills assessment | £40; exemptions apply for previously TfL-tested PHV drivers, licensed London taxi drivers, and professional Blue Badge guides |
| Enhanced DBS check | £52 (online) or £54 (paper), via an authorised service provider |
| Medical | Must meet DVLA Group 2 medical standards, typically requiring examination by someone with access to your full medical records |
| SERU assessment | £40, part of TfL's standard assessment process |
| Speaking and listening assessment | £40 |
How do you apply for a London private hire driver licence?
You apply directly to TfL, not to your local London borough - all applications go through TfL's own licensing system (TfL, 23 August 2026).
- Read TfL's private hire driver licence guidance to confirm you meet the eligibility criteria.
- Submit your application and pay the £138 non-refundable application fee.
- Complete your topographical, SERU and speaking and listening assessments (£40 each, unless exempt).
- Apply for your enhanced DBS check (£52 online or £54 paper) and arrange your DVLA Group 2 medical.
- Pay the £205 grant of licence fee once your application is approved.
How long does a London private hire driver licence take?
TfL says it aims to process new applications "within a reasonable period of time," but warns that new PHV driver licence applications will take longer than normal to progress due to high volumes (TfL, 23 August 2026) - so build in extra time if you're applying for the first time, particularly around your assessment bookings.
Frequently asked questions
Do I apply to my local London borough for a taxi or private hire licence?
No - Transport for London (TfL) is the single licensing authority for the whole of Greater London, covering all boroughs, so you apply directly to TfL rather than to a council.
How much does a London private hire driver licence cost?
£138 for the non-refundable application fee, plus £205 for the grant of licence - a combined total of roughly £343 - on top of separate charges for your DBS check and assessments.
Is TfL increasing private hire licence fees?
TfL has proposed raising the 3-year private hire driver licence fee from £310 to £343, from 1 June 2026, as part of efforts to reduce a projected licensing budget deficit - check TfL's site for the confirmed current position.
Am I exempt from TfL's topographical assessment?
You may be exempt if you're a previously licensed PHV driver who passed a TfL test, a licensed London taxi driver, or a professional Blue Badge guide - check TfL's guidance for full exemption criteria.
Where do I actually apply for a London private hire driver licence?
Directly with Transport for London - 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 Transport for London, GOV.UK, the Mayor of London or any government body. This page is general information, not legal or professional advice - for anything specific to your application, contact TfL's licensing team directly.