Taxi licence in Rochdale: cost, how to apply and how long it takes
Written by Sam Allcock · Last updated 23 August 2026 · Facts checked against Rochdale Borough Council's own published pages on the date above
Rochdale Borough Council prices a new single-type driver licence at £110 for 1 year or £258 for 3 years, with renewals cheaper at £74 and £222 - and a combined licence covering both hackney carriage and private hire costs more, from £168 (1 year new) up to £420 (3 years new) (Rochdale Borough Council, 23 August 2026).
An area knowledge re-test, if you need one, costs £43.
This page sets out Rochdale'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 Rochdale Borough 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 Rochdale?
Rochdale prices a combined licence - covering both hackney carriage and private hire driving - noticeably higher than a single-type badge, so it's worth deciding upfront which licence type you actually need rather than defaulting to combined (Rochdale Borough Council, 23 August 2026).
New applicants typically receive their vehicle licence and plates within 15 working days, and renewal applications need to go in at least 21 days before your current licence expires.
What does a Rochdale taxi driver licence cost?
Rochdale's taxi/minicab licence fees page splits single-type and combined driver licences across both new applications and renewals (Rochdale Borough Council, 23 August 2026).
For DBS check fees, Rochdale directs applicants to check GOV.UK's guidance rather than publishing a fixed council figure. Read Rochdale Borough Council's full taxi/minicab licence fees page →
✓ Checked against Rochdale Borough Council, 23 August 2026
What do you need to apply in Rochdale?
| Requirement | Rochdale's standard |
|---|---|
| Area knowledge test | Re-test fee is £43 if you need to resit |
| DBS check | Required - Rochdale directs applicants to GOV.UK's guidance for the current fee |
| Licence type | Choice of single-type (hackney carriage or private hire) or combined licence |
| Renewal timing | Submit at least 21 days before your current licence expires |
How do you apply for a Rochdale taxi licence?
Rochdale Borough Council publishes its taxi and private hire licensing process alongside its fees page (Rochdale Borough Council, 23 August 2026).
- Decide whether you need a single-type or combined licence - combined costs significantly more at every term length.
- Book and pass your area knowledge assessment; a re-test costs £43 if needed.
- Apply for your DBS check - check GOV.UK's guidance for the current fee, as Rochdale doesn't publish a fixed figure.
- Submit your application at least 21 days before your current licence expires if you're renewing.
- Pay your chosen licence type and term's fee.
How long does a Rochdale taxi licence take?
New applicants typically receive their licence and plates within 15 working days once everything is submitted correctly, and renewal applications need to go in at least 21 days before expiry (Rochdale Borough Council, 23 August 2026).
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Rochdale taxi licence cost?
A new single-type driver licence is £110 for 1 year or £258 for 3 years; a combined licence covering both hackney carriage and private hire is £168 (1 year) or £420 (3 years).
Is a combined licence worth it in Rochdale?
It costs noticeably more than a single-type badge at every term length, so it's worth confirming you actually need to drive both hackney carriage and private hire before choosing combined.
What if I fail my area knowledge test in Rochdale?
A re-test costs £43.
How long does a Rochdale taxi licence take to process?
New applicants typically receive their licence and plates within 15 working days once everything is submitted correctly.
When should I submit a Rochdale taxi licence renewal?
At least 21 days before your current licence expires.
apply for licence is an independent guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to Rochdale Borough Council, GOV.UK or any government body. This page is general information, not legal or professional advice - for anything specific to your application, contact Rochdale Borough Council's licensing team directly.