Taxi licence in Manchester: cost, how to apply and how long it takes
Written by Sam Allcock · Last updated 23 August 2026 · Facts checked against Manchester City Council's own published pages on the date above
In Manchester, a hackney carriage or private hire driver licence is issued by Manchester City Council - it's a single combined licence, not two separately priced ones - and costs roughly £433 in total once you add the application fee, skills assessment, knowledge test and enhanced DBS certificate together (Manchester City Council, 23 August 2026).
The licence itself lasts 3 years, and a full application typically runs to around 24 working days across the council's five application stages, if you submit everything correctly first time.
This page pulls together Manchester's own published fee and requirement figures so you can see the real local picture before you apply - for how taxi and private hire licensing works nationally, see our taxi and private hire hub; for the step-by-step driver process in general, see how to become a taxi driver.
This is general information sourced from Manchester 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 Manchester?
Manchester issues one combined driver licence that covers both hackney carriage and private hire work, rather than pricing them separately as some councils do (Manchester City Council, 23 August 2026).
That means if you want to drive either a black cab or a private hire vehicle in Manchester, you go through the same application, the same knowledge test and the same fee structure - you're not choosing between two different-priced licences.
What does a Manchester taxi or private hire driver licence cost?
There's no single "licence fee" figure - Manchester City Council breaks the cost into four separate charges that add up to roughly £433 for a new applicant, not counting whatever your GP charges for the medical (Manchester City Council, 23 August 2026).
We couldn't confirm an exact renewal fee on the council's published pages, so for renewals, check directly with Manchester City Council. Read Manchester City Council's own driver application page →
✓ Checked against Manchester City Council, 23 August 2026
If you're signed up to the DBS online update service, there's also a separate annual fee of £16 to keep your DBS status current between full renewals (Manchester City Council, 23 August 2026).
What do you need to apply in Manchester?
Manchester's requirements follow the pattern most English councils use - right to work, a driving history check, an enhanced DBS certificate and a medical - but with its own specific standards and timing (Manchester City Council, 23 August 2026).
| Requirement | Manchester's standard |
|---|---|
| Driving experience | UK, EU or Northern Ireland driving licence held for at least 12 months before you apply |
| Knowledge and skills | Basic skills assessment (£42) and a separate knowledge test (£74), both required |
| Enhanced DBS | Enhanced DBS certificate (£62.10, paid to CBS Ltd); you must stay subscribed to the DBS Update Service afterwards |
| Medical | DVLA Group II medical certificate - not needed until after your skills assessment unless you already have a relevant medical condition; then re-checked at application and at ages 45, 50, 55, 60, 65 and annually from 66 |
| Right to work | Evidence of your right to work in the UK |
| Safeguarding training | Driver training and safeguarding training must be completed before you apply (exact course not itemised on the council's page) |
How do you apply for a Manchester taxi licence?
You apply directly to Manchester City Council through its five-stage online process - there's no separate service you need to use, and the free official route is always available (Manchester City Council, 23 August 2026).
- Read the council's driver guidance on becoming a licensed hackney carriage or private hire driver in Manchester.
- Submit your Stage 1 application and pay online once you receive the payment link by email.
- Attend your Stage 2 document-check appointment with your ID, right-to-work evidence and driving licence.
- Complete your Stage 3 tests - the basic skills assessment and knowledge test - after your DBS result comes back.
- Wait for Stage 4 licence review, then receive your licence at Stage 5.
How long does a Manchester taxi licence take?
Manchester's own guidance sets out roughly 24 working days across five stages, if you submit everything correctly the first time (Manchester City Council, 23 August 2026).
| Stage | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 - application submission | 2 working days |
| Stage 2 - document-check appointment | 10 working days |
| Stage 3 - skills and knowledge tests | 10 working days after your DBS result |
| Stage 4 - licence review | 4 working days |
| Stage 5 - licence issued | Immediately after Stage 4 |
Because Stage 3 only starts once your DBS result is back, delays with your DBS application are the most common reason this timeline stretches out - so it's worth applying for your DBS as early as the process allows.
Frequently asked questions
Does Manchester have separate hackney carriage and private hire driver licences?
No - Manchester City Council issues a single combined driver licence that covers both hackney carriage and private hire work, priced and processed the same way.
How much does a Manchester taxi licence cost in total?
Budget around £433 for a new applicant - £255 application fee, £42 basic skills assessment, £74 knowledge test and £62.10 enhanced DBS certificate - plus whatever your GP charges for the medical, which isn't fixed by the council.
Do I need a medical before I apply in Manchester?
Not necessarily straight away - Manchester doesn't require the DVLA Group II medical certificate until after your skills assessment, unless you already have a current medical condition, in which case you'll need it sooner.
How long does the Manchester application take?
Roughly 24 working days across five stages if everything is submitted correctly the first time, though delays getting your DBS result back are the most common cause of it taking longer.
Where do I actually apply for a Manchester taxi licence?
Directly with Manchester City Council through its online driver application process - 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 Manchester 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 Manchester City Council's licensing team directly.