Taxis can be hailed in the street and asked to go anywhere, so you will need to have a thorough knowledge of London. This is why you must learn and pass the world-famous Knowledge.
Our online process makes applying and renewing taxi and private hire licences quicker and easier. As part of the ongoing modernisation of our taxi and private hire licensing service, you can create an online account. This means that if you're a taxi and private hire driver, or applicant, you can apply for or renew an existing licence and track its progress during the application process.
We process all applications within specific parameters. For existing drivers, applications are processed in order of their licence expiry date, to ensure continual licensing wherever possible. New applications are processed in order of the date we receive the application.
Applicants for a taxi driver's licence will only ever be asked to pay the cost of an application, please see table below for fees. We do not offer a fast-track service and will never charge more than the advertised costs.
If you have been approached by a third-party offering a fast-track service at an additional cost, this is fraudulent and you should report it to us at tphreport@tfl.gov.uk.
To apply, you can start your application by registering online. Details of the criteria to be met can be found below.
You will be asked to provide some personal details so we can create an account for you and allow you to complete your online application or request an application pack.
Please note, TfL requires that all given names on any official identity documents are displayed on your taxi driver's licence.
We strongly recommend that all your identity documents match. Our expectation is that all official documents have a consistent spelling and are in the correct order. This will prevent any queries in regards to your identity during the course of your licence or application.
Before you can start learning the Knowledge, you need to apply to be a licensed taxi driver and have your application approved.
The time it takes to become a licensed driver depends on whether you choose to learn the All-London Knowledge or a Suburban sector.
To apply for a licence, you will need to meet the following criteria:
You must meet our character and medical requirements.
As part of your application, you will need to provide a photograph of yourself. See our guidance on the type of photograph we will accept.
Photo guidanceAlternatively, please email us at tphlicensing@tfl.gov.uk to request an application pack.
You must be of good character. To establish this you will be required to undertake an 'enhanced' criminal records check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) through our authorised service provider.
Policies, advice and guidance on licensing taxi and private hire drivers in London.
Taxi and Private Hire Driver PolicyThe Department for Transport (DfT) introduced new Statutory Standards in July 2020 to enhance passenger safety for taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) services. In our Improving Safety for Taxi and PHV Passengers consultation we set out our proposed changes to taxi and private hire licensing requirements to further improve taxi and private hire passenger safety.
TPH Notice 05/24 sets out the changes to licensing requirements from 1 July 2024.
The changes that apply to taxi drivers are listed below.
All applicants for a taxi or private hire driver's licence must register with and subscribe to the DBS Update Service. We will not be able to grant a licence unless you have registered. Once licensed, you must maintain continuous subscription with the Update Service. Find out how to register and other details on the DBS Update Service page.
Please also see the video and guidance documents below: