Taxi licence in Stoke-on-Trent: cost, how to apply and how long it takes
Written by Sam Allcock · Last updated 23 August 2026 · Facts checked against Stoke-on-Trent City Council's own published pages on the date above
Stoke-on-Trent City Council prices its hackney carriage/private hire driver licence at £187 for the annual badge or £238 for a 3-year badge, on top of a £30 new driver test, £26.50 new driver training and a separate £25 safeguarding charge (Stoke-on-Trent City Council, 23 August 2026).
The council says you can apply for a new taxi or private hire vehicle licence online.
This page sets out Stoke-on-Trent'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 Stoke-on-Trent 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 Stoke-on-Trent?
Stoke-on-Trent charges separately for the driver test every time you sit it, rather than bundling a single attempt into your licence fee - the council's fees list states the new driver test fee is payable for every test, so factor in resit costs if you don't pass first time (Stoke-on-Trent City Council, 23 August 2026).
The council also lists a distinct safeguarding charge and separate fees for administrative changes, like updating your name, address or base, or replacing a lost licence.
What does a Stoke-on-Trent taxi driver licence cost?
Stoke-on-Trent's published licensing fees and charges document breaks costs down between the driver licence itself and the tests, training and admin fees around it (Stoke-on-Trent City Council, 23 August 2026).
Stoke-on-Trent's full licensing fees and charges document is available as a downloadable PDF via the council's website. Read Stoke-on-Trent City Council's licensing fees and charges document →
✓ Checked against Stoke-on-Trent City Council, 23 August 2026
What do you need to apply in Stoke-on-Trent?
| Requirement | Stoke-on-Trent's standard |
|---|---|
| New driver test | Mandatory, £30, payable for every attempt |
| New driver training | Mandatory, £26.50 |
| Safeguarding | Separate mandatory charge, £25 |
| Licence term | Choice of annual or 3-year badge |
How do you apply for a Stoke-on-Trent taxi licence?
Stoke-on-Trent City Council says applicants can apply for a new taxi or private hire vehicle licence online via its website (Stoke-on-Trent City Council, 23 August 2026).
- Complete your new driver training (£26.50).
- Book and pass your new driver test (£30 per attempt).
- Complete the mandatory safeguarding requirement (£25).
- Apply online via Stoke.gov.uk and choose your licence term - annual (£187) or 3-year (£238).
How long does a Stoke-on-Trent taxi licence take?
Stoke-on-Trent City Council's published fees and charges document doesn't set out a fixed working-day processing timescale (Stoke-on-Trent City Council, 23 August 2026) - so confirm current turnaround with the council's licensing services team, based at The White House, Cromer Road, Northwood, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 6AY.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Stoke-on-Trent taxi licence cost?
£187 for an annual driver licence or £238 for a 3-year badge, plus a £30 new driver test (payable for every attempt), £26.50 new driver training and a £25 safeguarding charge.
Do I pay the test fee every time I resit in Stoke-on-Trent?
Yes - the £30 new driver test fee is payable for every test you sit, not just your first attempt.
Can I apply for a Stoke-on-Trent taxi licence online?
Yes - the council says you can apply for a new taxi or private hire vehicle licence online via its website.
What if I lose my Stoke-on-Trent taxi licence?
There's a separate £15 charge for theft, loss or replacement of your licence.
How do I contact Stoke-on-Trent's licensing team?
Licensing Services can be reached on 01782 232774, or at The White House, Cromer Road, Northwood, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 6AY.
apply for licence is an independent guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to Stoke-on-Trent 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 Stoke-on-Trent City Council's licensing team directly.