The Wolverhampton private hire driver licence costs £78 for 1 year or £156 for 3 years (2026–27 council fee schedule). The £50 mandatory driver training programme is charged separately. Earlier estimates on some pages were incorrect — the figures below are verified from the City of Wolverhampton Council 2026–27 fee schedule.
All fees are non-refundable. Source: City of Wolverhampton Council — verified August 2026.
| Item | Official Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Driver licence — 1 year | £78 | Renewable annually |
| Driver licence — 3 years | £156 | Better value long term |
| Mandatory driver training | £50 | Must complete before application |
| Enhanced DBS check | approx £65–70 | Via DBS-registered umbrella body |
| Medical certificate (D4 standard) | approx £100–150 | GP or approved provider |
| DVLA licence share code | Free | Via gov.uk |
| Right-to-work check | Free | Documentation required |
| Source: wolverhampton.gov.uk/licensing — checked August 2026. Always verify current fees with the council before applying. | ||
Step-by-step guide to getting your Wolverhampton private hire badge
Everything you need to know about applying for a Wolverhampton City Council private hire driver's badge in 2026. Requirements, costs, timescales and tips from West Midlands taxi drivers.
You will need: valid UK driving licence, DBS enhanced disclosure, medical form (DVLA D4), proof of right to work in the UK, proof of address (last 3 months), passport photo, and completed application form. Wolverhampton Council charges an application fee.
Processing typically takes 4-8 weeks depending on DBS check speed. You can speed this up by applying online and using an umbrella DBS service. Council licensing standards are set nationally with local criteria applied by Wolverhampton City Council.
Wolverhampton Council charges approximately £250-£350 for a new private hire driver's licence application including the medical and DBS. Renewals are cheaper. Check the current Wolverhampton City Council website for exact fees.
You will need: valid UK driving licence, DBS enhanced disclosure, medical form (DVLA D4), proof of right to work in the UK, proof of address (last 3 months), passport photo, and completed application form. Wolverhampton Council charges an application fee.
Processing typically takes 4-8 weeks depending on DBS check speed. You can speed this up by applying online and using an umbrella DBS service. Council licensing standards are set nationally with local criteria applied by Wolverhampton City Council.
Wolverhampton Council charges approximately £250-£350 for a new private hire driver's licence application including the medical and DBS. Renewals are cheaper. Check the current Wolverhampton City Council website for exact fees.
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