Taxi licence in Rossendale: cost, how to apply and how long it takes
Written by Sam Allcock · Last updated 23 August 2026 · Facts checked against Rossendale Borough Council's own published pages on the date above
Rossendale Borough Council, a relatively small licensing authority in Lancashire, issues private hire driver licences for up to 3 years, with a mandatory Knowledge and Conditions Test for all new drivers and for renewal applicants whose licence expires after June 2017 (Rossendale Borough Council, 23 August 2026).
The council's own fee records point to a figure of around £185 for both new and renewal private hire driver licences, though we recommend confirming the current amount directly given how fee documents like this can lag behind live pricing.
This page sets out what Rossendale publishes clearly - 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 Rossendale 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 Rossendale?
Rossendale is one of a number of smaller English licensing authorities, alongside places like Wolverhampton, that the Department for Transport's 2020 statutory taxi and private hire vehicle standards specifically had in mind when addressing cross-border working - where a driver holds a licence from one authority but mainly works somewhere else (DfT, statutory standards, 2020).
Rossendale requires every driver, vehicle and operator licence to be issued by the same authority - so if you're licensed in Rossendale, your vehicle and operator licence (if applicable) need to come from Rossendale too, not a different council.
What does a Rossendale taxi or private hire driver licence cost?
Based on the council's own published fee records, the private hire driver licence fee is around £185 for both new applicants and renewals, though we recommend double-checking the live figure before you apply (Rossendale Borough Council, 23 August 2026).
We sourced this figure from the council's fee records rather than a live, dated fees page - confirm the current amount with the council before budgeting. Read Rossendale Borough Council's taxi licensing page →
✓ Sourced from Rossendale Borough Council's published records, 23 August 2026
What do you need to apply in Rossendale?
| Requirement | Rossendale's standard |
|---|---|
| Knowledge and Conditions Test | Mandatory for all new drivers, and for renewals where the licence expires after June 2017 |
| Medical form | Required as part of the application |
| Same-authority rule | Your driver, vehicle and operator licence must all be issued by Rossendale Borough Council if you're licensed there |
| DBS check | Not itemised on the pages we could access - contact the Licensing Department directly for current requirements |
How do you apply for a Rossendale taxi licence?
You apply directly to Rossendale Borough Council's Licensing and Enforcement Department, using downloadable forms rather than a full online portal (Rossendale Borough Council, 23 August 2026).
- Download the Private Hire Driver application form and Medical Form from the council's website.
- Review the mock Knowledge and Conditions Test to prepare, then book and pass the real test.
- Complete your medical form and gather your supporting documents.
- Submit your application to the Licensing and Enforcement Department at Futures Park.
How long does a Rossendale taxi licence take?
We couldn't find a published working-day processing timescale on Rossendale Borough Council's main taxi licensing pages during our research (Rossendale Borough Council, 23 August 2026) - contact the Licensing and Enforcement Department (01706 217 777 or licensing@rossendalebc.gov.uk) for a realistic estimate.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Rossendale taxi licence cost?
Around £185 for both a new application and a renewal, based on the council's published fee records - confirm the current live figure with the council before applying.
Do I need to take a test to get a Rossendale private hire licence?
Yes - a Knowledge and Conditions Test is mandatory for all new drivers, and for renewal applicants whose licence expires after June 2017.
Why is Rossendale mentioned alongside larger cross-border licensing authorities?
The Department for Transport's 2020 statutory taxi and private hire vehicle standards specifically discuss cross-border working - where a driver is licensed by one authority but mainly works in another - as an issue for authorities of Rossendale's kind.
Can my Rossendale-licensed vehicle be licensed by a different council?
No - Rossendale requires your driver, vehicle and operator licence to all be issued by the same authority.
Where do I actually apply for a Rossendale taxi licence?
Directly with Rossendale Borough Council's Licensing and Enforcement Department - 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 Rossendale 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 Rossendale Borough Council's licensing team directly.