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How to Apply for a Dudley Private Hire Driver Licence

Last checked: October 2026. Requirements and fees can change. Always check Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council's official taxi and private hire pages before you apply or pay anything.

Eligibility

  • You must be over 18 years old.
  • You must hold a full UK driving licence that authorises you to drive a motor vehicle, and have held it for at least two years.
  • You must have the right to work in the UK. If you are not a UK citizen, you must also provide a certificate of good conduct, the equivalent of a DBS check, issued by an agency in the country of your citizenship.
  • You must pass an enhanced DBS check and meet the DVLA Group 2 medical standard.

How to apply

Dudley works by appointment. You complete the forms, then book a time to bring everything to the licensing office. Payment is taken once your application has been checked.

Step 1: Get the application form

Download the Private Hire Driver's Application Form from the Dudley Council website, or get one from the licensing office.

Step 2: Apply for your enhanced DBS

Apply online through Dudley Online Disclosures. When it asks, enter the Organisation Reference EXTERNALTAXI. No password is needed. Your login details at this stage are case sensitive.

Once you have completed the online application, make an appointment with an ID Checker in the Licensing Team, who checks your identity as part of the DBS application. All drivers must have a new DBS check every three years.

Step 3: Get your DVLA share code

Generate your DVLA "share your licence" code, so the licensing section can check your driving licence history.

Step 4: Medical

You need a Group 2 medical with your GP. Group 2 is the national standard for lorry and bus drivers. Dudley says details of the medical process are provided when you apply.

How often it is repeated depends on your age:

  • Your first licence: a medical is required.
  • Aged 19 to 45: no repeat medicals, unless your medical condition changes (you must then tell both the DVLA and the Licensing Authority).
  • At 45: a further medical, then every three years up to 65.
  • From 65: a medical every year.

If the doctor raises any concerns, the matter is referred to the Head of Service, who decides how often you need one.

Step 5: Book your appointment and bring your documents

Contact the licensing office to book a time. Bring:

  1. Your completed application form
  2. Two passport photographs and a form of photo ID
  3. Your full UK driving licence and your DVLA share code
  4. The code that lets the licensing section apply for your enhanced DBS certificate
  5. Your GP's details, so a satisfactory medical certificate can be obtained
  6. If you are not a UK citizen: your certificate of good conduct, and evidence that you are eligible to work in the UK

Step 6: Law test

New private hire applicants take a law test. It is 20 multiple choice questions in 30 minutes, and you must answer at least 16 correctly. The questions are about the law and the conditions of a private hire driver's licence and a private hire vehicle licence.

There is no local knowledge test for private hire. From April 2025, new private hire applicants no longer have to take it. It is still required for hackney carriage drivers. Dudley provides a pack with further details when you apply.

Step 7: Driving assessment

You must pass a driving assessment with one of Dudley Council's approved suppliers. You pay for it yourself.

Once you are licensed

  • Convictions: tell the licensing office in writing within 7 days. This covers court convictions, fixed penalty endorsements, police cautions, and other fixed penalties.
  • Change of address: tell the council forthwith, which means immediately and without delay.
  • A medical condition you are diagnosed with: tell the council forthwith, in writing.
  • DBS: a new check every three years.
  • Unclaimed lost property: take it to the Council's Licensing Office within 48 hours, and get a receipt.
  • Your vehicle: it must be licensed with Dudley and pass the council's compliance inspection. Vehicles are tested every 12 months while they are under six years old, every 6 months from six to under ten years, and every 4 months from ten years. Vehicle tests are booked through the licensing office.

Contact

Dudley Council Licensing
Licensing Section, Lister Road, Dudley, DY2 8JW
Email: Licensing.LDS@dudley.gov.uk
Phone: 01384 815050

Where to go next

Applying elsewhere in the West Midlands? We have application guides for other councils too:

To prepare for the test, see the PHV Prep UK app page. The app is on the App Store and Google Play.

Official sources

PHV Prep UK is an independent study aid. It is not affiliated with, authorised by, or endorsed by Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council or any licensing authority. Always check the council's official guidance for the latest application requirements and fees.