How to Get a Taxi Licence in Birmingham: A Step-by-Step Guide for Private Hire Drivers

A taxi licence is mandatory for anyone driving for Uber, Bolt, or other ride-hailing platforms in Birmingham. It certifies your eligibility, safety, and professionalism as a private hire driver.
Eligibility requirements include being 21+, holding a full UK driving licence for at least three years, proving your right to work in the UK, and passing English, medical, and DBS checks.
Documentation and testing are essential steps; you’ll need verified ID, proof of address, medical clearance, a recent Enhanced DBS certificate, and you must pass both topographical and English language assessments.
Vehicle and cost compliance matter, your car must meet Birmingham City Council’s safety and emission standards, and total start-up costs typically range from £400 to £800, depending on tests, checks, and insurance.

Thinking about driving for Uber, Bolt, or another ride-hailing platform in Birmingham? You’ll need a Taxi licence, a legal requirement issued by Transport for London (TfL) for anyone offering private hire services. Short for Public Carriage Office licence, it certifies that a driver meets all professional and safety standards to operate a private hire vehicle.

With one of the highest demand rates for ride-hailing services outside London, Birmingham offers lucrative earning opportunities, busy urban and suburban coverage, and a strong digital infrastructure supporting platforms like Uber, Bolt, and Ola.

On top of that, access to affordable taxi vehicles in Birmingham makes getting started faster and smoother.

Step 1: Check If You Meet the Eligibility Criteria

If you're looking to work as a private hire driver in Birmingham, the very first step is meeting the eligibility requirements for a PCO licence. Without ticking all the boxes, your application won’t move forward. Each criterion filters for safety, professionalism, and legal compliance. Here’s what you need before applying.

Minimum Age Requirement

You must be at least 21 years old when you apply. This is a hard requirement, not a guideline. Licences won't be granted to applicants below this age, regardless of driving experience or other qualifications.

Full UK Driving Licence

A full UK driving licence is mandatory, and you need to have held it for a minimum of three years at the time of your application. This proves you have the road experience expected of a professional driver. Licences from Northern Ireland are accepted, but if you hold an EU or EEA driving licence, it must be converted to a UK equivalent.

Legal Right to Work in the UK

You must show the right to legally work in the UK. That's a Home Office requirement, and it's non-negotiable. Valid National Insurance documentation, biometric residence permits, or relevant status under the EU Settlement Scheme all serve as acceptable proof.

English Language Proficiency

All private hire drivers must demonstrate that they can** speak, listen, read, and write English fluently**. You’ll need to pass an official English language assessment, unless you have a suitable GCSE, A-level, NVQ, or equivalent qualification from an approved UK educational institution.

Medical and Criminal Record Checks

Medical Fitness: A doctor must certify that you’re medically fit to drive professionally. The DVLA Group 2 standard applies here, which is stricter than ordinary driver checks.
Criminal Record: You'll need to complete an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. A clean record significantly boosts your chances, though every case is reviewed individually.

Meeting these criteria puts you on firm ground to start the PCO licensing process. Move confidently to the next step when each of these boxes is ticked. To learn what documents you’ll need next, continue to the following section.

Want to explore Birmingham-based taxi options that meet licensing standards? Start here.

Step 2: Every Document You Need to Apply for a PCO Licence in Birmingham

Step two in securing your PCO licence in Birmingham is assembling the right documentation. Birmingham City Council runs a detailed application process, and missing even one required item will delay your approval. Here's exactly what you'll need to gather.

Documents That Must Accompany Your Application

UK Driving Licence (Photocard and Counterpart)

You must hold a full UK driving licence, valid for a minimum of 12 months at the time of applying. Both the photocard and paper counterpart must be submitted. If you’ve lost the counterpart, request a driving record from DVLA.

Passport or Document Showing Right to Work in the UK

Non-UK citizens must produce an immigration status document or share code proving the right to work. British citizens can use their passport alone.

Proof of Address

Acceptable documents include utility bills, council tax bills, or recent bank statements—dated within the last three months. Mobile phone bills and online-only account summaries won’t be accepted.

Enhanced DBS Certificate

You must obtain an enhanced certificate from the Disclosure and Barring Service through the Council’s approved DBS channel. Third-party DBS checks won’t suffice. Keep in mind: this check must be less than six months old at the time of submission.

Medical Examination Report

A registered GP must complete this report using the DVLA Group 2 medical standard. If your doctor isn't familiar with your medical history, they may charge more or refuse to complete the form entirely. Pre-booking the medical early reduces your waiting time.

Passport-Style Photograph

Submission must include a recent photo (taken within the last 6 months), sized to passport-specifications, clear, with a white background, and showing no headwear unless it's for religious or medical reasons.

Completed Application Form

Download the form directly from Birmingham City Council’s portal. Fill in every section accurately before submission. Double-check spellings, addresses, National Insurance numbers, and work-permit details to avoid rejection.

Access the Birmingham City Council application form here.

Each document plays a specific role in verifying your identity, legality, and suitability for operating as a private hire driver. Want to get started with your vehicle search while preparing paperwork? Check out available Birmingham PCO cars ready for licensing. Keep momentum going as you complete this step.

Step 3: Pass the Medical Examination

Before you move forward in your PCO licence application in Birmingham, you’ll need to pass a full medical check that proves you meet DVLA Group 2 standards—the benchmark for drivers of buses, lorries, and taxis.

Why the Group 2 Standard?

Private hire drivers carry passengers and often work long hours on the road. To ensure public safety, Birmingham City Council—like Transport for London—requires that applicants meet the same medical fitness standards as HGV and PSV drivers. The Group 2 medical is more thorough than a standard driver’s medical, and its purpose is straightforward: to verify you're fit to drive professionally under various road and time conditions.

Who Can Complete Your Medical?

Your examination must be carried out by your own GP or a medical professional who has access to your full medical records. This clause isn’t flexible. Why? Because conditions like diabetes, epilepsy, or a history of cardiac illness can only be properly assessed from a complete medical history. If your GP doesn’t provide the service, a clinic connected to your record system must step in.

What the Examination Covers

Vision check: You must meet required eyesight standards, both with and without corrective lenses, including accurate peripheral vision and colour perception.
Cardiovascular health: For conditions such as angina, heart attack history, arrhythmia, or hypertension, expect extra questions, and possibly letters from specialists.
Neurological assessment: The doctor will screen for epilepsy, narcolepsy, or blackout incidents that could impair consciousness or motor control while driving.
Psychiatric history: Depression, bipolar disorder, substance misuse—if disclosed—won’t automatically disqualify you, but documentation and evidence of stable management will be required.

Once completed and passed, your doctor will fill in the D4 medical form. Keep this document safe—it becomes a key part of your PCO licence application file. Miss this step, and your application can’t proceed.

Still unsure about where to begin your PCO licence application? Start by booking an appointment with your GP now—it sets the foundation for every step that follows.

Step 4: Pass Criminal Record and Background Checks (DBS)

Before the Birmingham City Council can approve your PCO licence application, you must pass an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.

This level of screening covers both criminal convictions and intelligence held by local police, making it more comprehensive than standard checks. It ensures that only applicants with clean and appropriate records can work safely with members of the public.

How to Apply for an Enhanced DBS Check

You can’t use just any service provider. The Enhanced DBS must be applied for through a registered and approved DBS channel, such as a licensing authority-approved umbrella body. Several of these operate online and offer digital forms for faster processing. During the application, you’ll need to provide:

Proof of identity (passport, driving licence, utility bills, etc.)
Five-year address history in the UK
National Insurance number

Double-check every detail before submission. Any spelling errors or mismatched information with other parts of your PCO application can cause delays.

Timing Matters: Don’t Submit an Outdated Check

The Enhanced DBS certificate must be no older than six months at the time you submit your full PCO licence application. Submit it sooner than that, and the clock starts ticking. Many applicants complete the DBS check too early and then find out it has expired by the time paperwork reaches the licensing team, forcing them to start over. Avoid that by syncing your application steps carefully.

Been abroad in the past few years? You may also need a certificate of good conduct from the country where you resided. The council will request that separately, depending on your travel history.

What Happens if Charges or Convictions Are Found?

Birmingham City Council assesses applications on a case-by-case basis. Some older or minor offences may not bar you from getting licensed, but others, especially those involving violence, drugs, or dishonesty, will result in immediate disqualification. Full disclosure at every stage speeds up decision-making.

Step 5: Pass the Topographical and English Language Tests

Getting a PCO licence in Birmingham means proving more than just your driving ability. You also need to demonstrate that you can navigate the city efficiently and communicate clearly with passengers. That’s where the topographical and English language assessments come in. These evaluations aren’t hurdles—they’re tools to confirm you're ready for professional driving in a high-demand urban environment.

What to Expect in the Topographical Test

This test checks your ability to read a map, follow directions accurately, and plan driving routes from one location to another. GPS can fail; real-world situations often require independent decision-making. That’s why these skills get tested before you're approved.

Read and understand a traditional street map of Birmingham.
Plot the shortest and most efficient route between two given points.
Interpret map symbols and public landmarks.
Use visual and written instructions to complete journey-planning exercises under time constraints.

The test format varies depending on the assessment centre, but typically includes both written and visual components. Applicants who prepare using official A–Z Birmingham street atlases and practise plotting routes daily see markedly better results.

Your English Language Assessment: Proving You Can Communicate Clearly

Clear communication means smoother journeys. You’ll get assessed on your ability to understand spoken English, speak confidently and clearly, and comprehend written documents relevant to private hire work. Transport for London accepts Level B1 English as the minimum standard—Birmingham follows a similar benchmark aligned with driver safety and passenger service quality.

Here’s what the test generally includes:

Listening: Understand verbal instructions or passenger queries.
Reading: Comprehend traffic signs, safety notices, and policy documents.
Speaking: Engage in basic conversations with customers ranging from greetings to unexpected situations.
Writing: Fill out reports, forms, and respond to basic written prompts.

Holding a UK GCSE, A-Level, degree, or other qualification taught in English can sometimes exempt you, but that depends on the documentation reviewed by Transport for Birmingham. Submitting the certificate and course breakdown will determine eligibility for exemption.

Both the maps and the language help define your readiness. Master them, and you’ll move one step closer to joining Birmingham’s ever-growing roster of licensed drivers. Ready to move forward? Check your preparation status and book your test as soon as you complete the documentation steps.

Step 6: Get the Right Vehicle and Secure Your Private Hire Licensing

Reaching this milestone means you've passed assessments, completed forms, and cleared official checks. Now the focus shifts to the wheels you’ll drive. To operate legally as a private hire driver in Birmingham, your vehicle must meet Birmingham City Council’s licensing standards. No shortcuts here; the vehicle must match specific criteria before gaining approval.

Check out our list of PCO cars for Birmingham:

Kia E-Niro
Kia Xceed
Kia Niro 2 EV
Toyota Corolla Estate
Suzuki Swaze Estate

Birmingham’s Vehicle Criteria: What You Need to Know

The council requires every licensed private hire vehicle to meet structural, safety, and environmental benchmarks. These rules ensure the safety of passengers and preserve urban air quality. Here's what to expect:

Age Limit: For new applications, the vehicle must typically be under 5 years old. This isn't flexible — if your car is 5 years and 1 day old, it won't pass.
Compliance Test: Your car must pass the council’s compliance test. This is not an MOT. The test covers vehicle safety, mechanical standards, emission levels, boot capacity, seatbelt function, interior cleanliness, and bodywork condition.
Exterior Condition: Scratches, dents, or rust patches result in immediate failure. The council enforces a zero-tolerance policy for visible damage.
Roadworthiness: Tyres, lights, brakes, and suspension must work flawlessly. Any component failure halts the licensing process.
Signage and Equipment: Birmingham City Council requires specific decals, licence plates, and sometimes even CCTV or meters, depending on the vehicle use case.

Need a Compliant Vehicle Fast?

Securing a vehicle that matches these standards can take time — or none at all. Explore PCO-ready cars in Birmingham and choose from options that are already tested, licensed, and ready to hit the road. Many of these vehicles include insurance, roadside assistance, and essential tech for ride-hailing apps.

What Happens After the Vehicle Passes?

Once your car clears the compliance test, the next step is straightforward. Submit a vehicle licence application to the council. If approved, you’ll receive a private hire vehicle licence plate — this must be attached to the car at all times when working.

From that moment, your journey as a licensed Birmingham driver becomes real. You're now one registration plate away from starting work.

Breakdown of Costs: Submitting Your Documents and Paying the PCO Licence Fee

Once you've passed your exams and gathered all necessary documents, the final administrative step is payment. Birmingham’s PCO licensing process involves several fixed and variable costs, which together shape your total upfront investment. Here's what you'll need to pay to move forward.

Application and Background Verification Fees

PCO Licence Application Fee: Birmingham City Council charges a non-refundable application fee, averaging £72. This covers the processing of your licence request and must be paid at submission.
DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) Check: For private hire drivers, an enhanced background check is mandatory. Prices typically hover around £52.80. Opting for the online update service adds another £13 annually, if you want continuous coverage.

Medical and Testing Costs

Medical Exam Fee: You’re required to complete a Group 2 standard medical examination. This is not covered by the NHS for licensing purposes. Clinics charge between £50 and £120, depending on availability and speed of service.
Topographical and English Language Tests: Combined, these assessments cost about £36 to £60. Some test centres offer bundled pricing for both components to help streamline your scheduling.

Vehicle-Related Expenses

Private Hire Vehicle Compliance Test: To register your car, it must pass a vehicle compliance inspection. The test fee generally ranges from £80 to £150 based on age and the type of vehicle. Private Hire Insurance Premium: This is one of the largest upfront costs. Annual policies range from £1,200 to £2,500, but expect to pay at least £250–£450 as an initial instalment or monthly payment to activate the policy.

Total Expected Upfront Expenditure

When combining all initial payments, candidates typically face a start-up cost between £400 and £800. This range depends on personal factors like health exams, vehicle choice, and insurance provider. Looking for a PCO-ready vehicle that meets Birmingham licensing standards? Browse available PCO cars in Birmingham with flexible rental options and insured packages tailored for new drivers. Need clarity on the full process from start to finish? Get the official guidance on how to get your PCO licence from a registered authority.

Answers to the Most Common PCO Licence Questions

How long is the PCO licence valid?

The PCO licence in Birmingham remains valid for a full 3 years from the date of issue. After this period, you must renew it if you wish to continue working as a licensed private hire driver.

When should I start the renewal process?

Begin the renewal process at least 8 weeks before your current licence expires. This window allows the council enough time to process updated checks, medicals, and documentation without interrupting your ability to work.

What documents do I need to include with my application?

The application package must include:

Valid right to work documents (e.g. passport or biometric residence permit)
UK or EU driver’s licence held for a minimum of 12 months
Enhanced DBS certificate
Group II medical certificate signed by a registered GP
Proof of address and National Insurance number
Evidence of topographical skills and English proficiency

What does the English language test look like?

The English language assessment is a structured test that evaluates speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. It's designed to confirm that all drivers can communicate confidently with passengers, respond to safety issues, and understand legal obligations. You can review and prepare for the exam here.