Wolverhampton Private Hire Licence Guide

Wolverhampton City Council offers a streamlined online process, enabling drivers to apply for or renew their private hire and taxi licence conveniently from any location.

This guide is designed for individuals seeking to obtain a Wolverhampton Private Hire Licence.

For vehicle licensing, please refer to Wolverhampton Private Hire and Taxi Vehicle Licensing.

This detailed guide provides information on eligibility criteria, application steps, required documentation, fees, processing times, licensing policies, training requirements, and knowledge tests to ensure a smooth application experience.

What is Wolverhampton Private Hire Licence?

Private hire licensing in Wolverhampton is governed by the City Council, which establishes policies ensuring passenger safety, quality service, and professional standards among drivers.

🚖 Drivers licensed by Wolverhampton City Council can operate anywhere in England and Wales, excluding London, which has its own licensing system. However, Wolverhampton-licensed drivers can undertake journeys that originate, terminate, or pass through any location, including London.

📌 Acquiring a Wolverhampton private hire badge allows you to work with Wolverhampton-based operators and national ride-hailing services such as Uber, Bolt, and Veezu.

🔍 The licensing framework upholds high safety and operational standards, ensuring a dependable and legally compliant transportation network.

Eligibility Criteria for Wolverhampton Private Hire Driver Licence

Before proceeding with the application, applicants must meet the following Wolverhampton City Council eligibility criteria:

✅ Age Requirement: Must be at least 21 years old.

✅ Right to Work: Proof of legal employment eligibility in the UK.

✅ Driving Experience: A minimum of 12 months of holding a full UK or EU driver’s licence.

✅ Medical Fitness: Must comply with DVLA Group 2 medical standards.

✅ DBS Check: An Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check is mandatory.

✅ Knowledge Test: Applicants must successfully pass the Wolverhampton Council Knowledge Test, which assesses local area familiarity and private hire regulations.

Documents Required for Wolverhampton Private Hire Application

📄 Applicants must submit the following documents to facilitate the application process:

🆔 Proof of Identity - Passport or another government-issued ID.

🏡 Proof of Address - A recent utility bill or bank statement (issued within the last three months).

🚘 Driving Licence - A full UK or EU driving licence with at least 12 months of validity.

🛡 Enhanced DBS Certificate - Required for background checks.

⚕️ Medical Certificate - A certificate issued by a GP demonstrating compliance with DVLA Group 2 medical standards.

📜 Right to Work Documentation - Evidence of legal employment status in the UK.

📧 Email Address - Required for online communication and notifications.

💷 Tax Check Code - To validate tax compliance with HMRC regulations.

🌍 Certificate of Good Character - Necessary for applicants who have resided outside the UK for three consecutive months or more since turning 18.

Cost Breakdown for Wolverhampton Private Hire Driver Licence

1-Year Licence Cost Breakdown

For a 1-year Wolverhampton Private Hire badge, the total cost is approximately £243.48 if there are no issues with the application. This includes:

• Private Hire Medical: £49.99
  A medical assessment is required to confirm your fitness to drive, meeting DVLA Group 2 standards.

• DBS and Licence Check: £79.49
  An Enhanced DBS check and licence verification to ensure driver eligibility and background clearance.

• Private Hire Assessment Programme: £50
  A skills and knowledge assessment to confirm that drivers meet Wolverhampton City Council’s standards.

• Application for Wolverhampton Private Hire Badge: £64.00
  This is the initial application fee for a 1-year badge, which is non-refundable.

3-Year Licence Cost Breakdown

If you opt for a 3-year licence, the total cost is approximately £299.48, which includes the same requirements as the 1-year licence, with an adjusted application fee:

• Private Hire Medical: £49.99
• DBS and Licence Check: £79.49
• Private Hire Assessment Programme: £50
• Application for Wolverhampton Private Hire Badge: £120.00 (non-refundable)

💡 Non-refundable Application Fee Applies
💨 Fast-Track Services May Be Available at an additional cost.

Certificate of Good Conduct for Taxi Applications

When applying for a Wolverhampton Private Hire Driver Licence, applicants who have lived outside the UK for over three months continuously since the age of 18 must provide a Certificate of Good Conduct. This serves as additional verification of their background and character.

📌 What is a Certificate of Good Conduct?

A Certificate of Good Conduct (CGC), also known as a Police Clearance Certificate or Certificate of No Criminal Record, is an official document issued by foreign authorities confirming an individual's criminal record status.

📌 Why is a Certificate of Good Conduct Required?

🔍 UK DBS checks only cover domestic records, so applicants with a history of living abroad must provide equivalent international documentation to confirm their suitability for a private hire licence.

📌 How to Obtain a Certificate of Good Conduct?

🔹 Contact the embassy or consulate of the country where you lived. 🔹 Follow the local procedure to request a criminal record check. 🔹 Submit required documentation, such as ID and proof of residence.

📌 How to Submit the Certificate?

🔹 The certificate should be uploaded along with other application documents. 🔹 If the document is in a foreign language, a certified translation may be required. 🔹 Ensure compliance with Wolverhampton City Council's verification standards.

📌 Exemptions and Special Cases

🔹 Asylum seekers and refugees may be exempt from this requirement. Contact Licensing Services for further guidance. 🔹 Processing times vary, so applicants should request their certificate as early as possible.

For more information, refer to the UK Home Office Guidelines.

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for Wolverhampton Private Hire Licence

📝 Applicants must follow these steps to successfully apply for a Wolverhampton Private Hire Licence:

1️⃣ Access the Wolverhampton City Council Website

• Navigate to the Private Hire Licensing section.

2️⃣ Create an Online Account

• New applicants must register, while returning users can log in to continue their application.

3️⃣ Select the Relevant Licence Type

• Choose between a new licence, renewal, or transfer from another council.

4️⃣ Upload Required Documents

• Ensure all scanned documents are clear and in an accepted format (PDF or JPEG).

5️⃣ Submit the DBS Check

• If an Enhanced DBS certificate is not already obtained, apply for one.

6️⃣ Complete the Medical Assessment

• Submit a medical certificate from a GP in compliance with licensing standards.

7️⃣ Book the Knowledge Test

• Prepare for the regulatory and local knowledge test before booking.

8️⃣ Pay the Application Fee

• Fees vary based on the type of application.

9️⃣ Submit Application and Await Confirmation

• Expect an email confirmation containing further instructions and processing timelines.

Contact Details for Wolverhampton Private Hire Licensing

⚠️ Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. For official updates, visit the Wolverhampton Council Website.