Taxi licence in Swansea: cost, how to apply and how long it takes
Written by Sam Allcock · Last updated 23 August 2026 · Facts checked against Swansea Council's own published pages on the date above
Swansea Council charges £124 for a new 1-year driver grant (including restricted driver) or £236 for 3 years, with renewals slightly cheaper at £81 (1 year) or £191 (3 years) - on top of a £29 knowledge test per attempt and £111 for the two DBS certificates the council requires (Swansea Council, 23 August 2026).
The licence and badge itself, excluding the knowledge test and DBS application fee, is valid for the full 3 years once issued.
This page sets out Swansea'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 Swansea 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 Swansea?
Swansea requires two separate DBS certificates rather than one, totalling £111, which is higher than the single-certificate DBS cost most English councils publish (Swansea Council, 23 August 2026).
The council also has a distinct "restricted driver" category included within its standard 1-year and 3-year grant fees, rather than pricing it separately.
What does a Swansea taxi driver licence cost?
Swansea's fees for taxi licensing page splits new grants from renewals, and lists the knowledge test and DBS charges separately (Swansea Council, 23 August 2026).
Fees not shown here can be checked by contacting Licensing on 01792 635600 or taxilicensing@swansea.gov.uk. Read Swansea Council's fees for taxi licensing page →
✓ Checked against Swansea Council, 23 August 2026
What do you need to apply in Swansea?
| Requirement | Swansea's standard |
|---|---|
| Knowledge test | Mandatory, £29 per attempt |
| DBS checks | Two certificates required, £111 total |
| Licence term | Your choice - 1 year or 3 years, for both new grants and renewals |
Swansea's fees page doesn't itemise a separate medical fee on the page checked - confirm the council's current medical requirement with its licensing team.
How do you apply for a Swansea taxi licence?
Swansea Council publishes a Guide to Becoming a Taxi Driver alongside its guidance notes for hackney carriage, private hire and restricted driver applications (Swansea Council, 23 August 2026).
- Read the council's guidance notes for the grant of hackney carriage, private hire or restricted driver applications.
- Book and pass the knowledge test (£29 per attempt).
- Apply for both required DBS certificates (£111 total).
- Submit your application and pay your chosen term's grant fee - £124 (1 year) or £236 (3 years).
How long does a Swansea taxi licence take?
Swansea Council's published fees page doesn't set out a fixed working-day processing timescale (Swansea Council, 23 August 2026) - so confirm current turnaround with the council's licensing team once you've booked your knowledge test.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Swansea taxi licence cost?
A new driver grant is £124 for 1 year or £236 for 3 years; renewals are £81 (1 year) or £191 (3 years). Add a £29 knowledge test and £111 for the two required DBS certificates.
Why does Swansea's DBS check cost more than some other councils?
Swansea requires two separate DBS certificates rather than one, which is why the combined DBS cost is £111.
What's a restricted driver in Swansea?
A driver category included within Swansea's standard 1-year and 3-year grant and renewal fees, rather than priced separately.
How long is a Swansea taxi licence valid for?
The licence and badge itself, excluding the knowledge test and DBS application fee, is valid for the full 3 years once issued at that term.
How do I contact Swansea's licensing team?
Call 01792 635600 or email taxilicensing@swansea.gov.uk for fees or requirements not covered on the council's published fees page.
apply for licence is an independent guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to Swansea Council, GOV.UK or any government body. This page is general information, not legal or professional advice - for anything specific to your application, contact Swansea Council's licensing team directly.