Taxi licence in Milton Keynes: cost, how to apply and how long it takes
Written by Sam Allcock · Last updated 23 August 2026 · Facts checked against Milton Keynes City Council's own published pages on the date above
Milton Keynes City Council issues a single Combined Drivers Licence covering both hackney carriage and private hire work, priced at £305 for a new 3-year grant or £285.50 to renew, effective from 1 April 2026 (Milton Keynes City Council, 23 August 2026).
Safeguarding training (£54.50) and, if you fail your first attempt, a driver assessment re-sit (£129) sit on top of that headline fee.
This page sets out Milton Keynes' 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 Milton Keynes 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 Milton Keynes?
Milton Keynes only offers a single Combined Drivers Licence at a 3-year term, rather than letting you choose a 1-year option - so budgeting for the full £305 upfront (or £285.50 to renew) is unavoidable (Milton Keynes City Council, 23 August 2026).
The council reviews fees annually and has proposed a roughly 3.8% rise across most hackney carriage and private hire charges from 1 April 2026 - so check you're looking at the current year's published schedule before you apply.
What does a Milton Keynes taxi or private hire driver licence cost?
Milton Keynes' 2026 to 2027 fee schedule lists the Combined Drivers Licence alongside vehicle licence fees and additional charges (Milton Keynes City Council, 23 August 2026).
All figures are effective from 1 April 2026. Read Milton Keynes City Council's full 2026-27 fee schedule →
✓ Checked against Milton Keynes City Council, 23 August 2026
What do you need to apply in Milton Keynes?
| Requirement | Milton Keynes' standard |
|---|---|
| Driver assessment | Mandatory; a re-sit costs £129 if you don't pass first time |
| Safeguarding training | Mandatory, £54.50 |
| Licence type | Combined licence only - covers both hackney carriage and private hire in one badge |
| Licence term | 3 years only - no shorter option published |
Milton Keynes' published 2026-27 fee schedule doesn't itemise separate knowledge test, DBS or medical fees on the page checked - confirm these directly with the council's taxi licensing team.
How do you apply for a Milton Keynes taxi licence?
Milton Keynes City Council publishes a dedicated Guide for New Taxi Drivers alongside its taxi licensing hub (Milton Keynes City Council, 23 August 2026).
- Read the council's Guide for New Taxi Drivers to confirm current document, DBS and medical requirements.
- Book and pass your driver assessment - a re-sit costs £129 if needed.
- Complete Safeguarding Training (£54.50).
- Submit your application via the council's taxi licensing pages and pay the £305 Combined Drivers Licence fee.
How long does a Milton Keynes taxi licence take?
Milton Keynes City Council's published fee schedule doesn't set out a fixed working-day processing timescale (Milton Keynes City Council, 23 August 2026) - so confirm current turnaround with the council's taxi licensing team once you've booked your driver assessment.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Milton Keynes taxi licence cost?
A new Combined Drivers Licence is £305 for the full 3-year term, or £285.50 to renew, effective from 1 April 2026, plus £54.50 for mandatory safeguarding training.
Can I get a 1-year taxi licence in Milton Keynes?
No - Milton Keynes only publishes a 3-year Combined Drivers Licence, with no shorter term option shown on its fee schedule.
What happens if I fail my driver assessment in Milton Keynes?
A re-sit costs £129, on top of your original assessment and application fees.
Is hackney carriage and private hire the same licence in Milton Keynes?
Yes - Milton Keynes issues a single Combined Drivers Licence that covers both, rather than pricing them separately.
When did Milton Keynes' 2026-27 taxi fees take effect?
From 1 April 2026, following a proposed rise of roughly 3.8% across most hackney carriage and private hire licensing fees.
apply for licence is an independent guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to Milton Keynes 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 Milton Keynes City Council's licensing team directly.