Am I Eligible for a Wolverhampton PHV Licence? Full Requirements

Before you spend any money, it's worth checking whether you're eligible for a Wolverhampton private hire licence. This page sets out the requirements in plain English — your age and driving licence, the medical, the DBS check, the check codes you'll need, the Certificate of Good Conduct for time spent abroad, and the basics on vehicles. When you're ready to start, our guide on how to apply for a Wolverhampton private hire licence walks through the process step by step.

Driver requirements at a glance

If any of these might be an issue — for example points on your licence or a past conviction — check the council's official guidance before you apply, as decisions on individual cases rest with the council.

What is the Certificate of Good Conduct?

A UK DBS check can only cover time you've spent in the UK. So if you've lived or worked abroad, you'll also need a Certificate of Good Conduct — the council also accepts a "Police Character/Conduct Certificate", and the same document is sometimes called a Certificate of Good Character — covering that period abroad. If you've spent time outside the UK, this is usually the most confusing part of the application, so here's exactly what's required.

When do I need one?

You need one if you've lived or worked outside the UK for three or more continuous months since the age of 18.

This applies even to British citizens. If you're a British citizen who went abroad — for example on an extended holiday — for more than three months, you still need the certificate, provided you were over 18 when you returned to the UK.

Does it have to be in English?

Yes. It must be provided in English. It's usually pre-translated, but if it isn't, you'll need to obtain a notarised translation at your own expense before the council can verify it and issue your licence.

What if my home country writes my name in a different order?

You'll need to show proof that you legally changed your name, or the certificate must be in your current name.

I provided one last year — do I need a new one?

No — provided you submitted it when you applied last year and you haven't spent more than three consecutive months abroad since.

It's taking a long time, it's expensive, or the country won't issue it

The council can't take responsibility for delays or costs caused by third parties — these need to be raised with the relevant embassy or diplomatic service. Where a country won't issue a certificate because you're not a citizen, the council will need to be satisfied you've exhausted all possible avenues before it can proceed.

Because of those delays, work it out early: add up any single stretch abroad of three months or more, at any point since your 18th birthday, and start the process before you submit your application rather than after.

Can I use my British passport as proof I was granted asylum?

No. A British passport is not accepted as proof of a successful asylum claim.

Do I need to be on the DBS Update Service?

You don't have to be — but it directly affects the length of your licence:

• Not registered on the Update Service? You'll only receive a six-month licence, and you'll need to apply for a new DBS certificate to get your next licence term.
• Registered and then came off it? You'll need to provide a new DBS certificate. The council will email you with what is required.

For renewals, your DBS certificate must be no older than 12 months from the date your former licence expired. Basic, standard and enhanced certificates are all accepted at renewal, as is current registration on the DBS Update Service.

What check codes do I need?

Every licensed driver and operator must be registered to pay tax and able to prove their right to work. That means two codes:

• HMRC Tax Check code — a 9-digit code from gov.uk (search for "complete a tax check for a taxi, private hire or scrap metal licence").
• Right to Work code — also from gov.uk (search for "prove your right to work").

Both are submitted through the council's "Provide a Check Code" page. Missing codes are one of the most common reasons an application or renewal stalls.

What are the medical requirements?

You must meet the Group 2 medical standard — the higher standard that applies to professional drivers such as bus and lorry drivers — with the certificate completed on the D4 form. If you are not medically fit to drive to Group 2 standard, a driver licence application will be refused.

If your own doctor declines to complete the form, you can visit any other GMC-registered medical practitioner to have it done. Once licensed, medicals are repeated every 5 years for drivers aged 45 and over, and every year for drivers aged 65 and over.

Is driver training required?

Yes — the knowledge test is taken alongside a training course. There is also a re-training requirement for existing drivers: anyone who completed Worcestershire County Council's Driver Training Programme before 19 September 2019 is being asked to re-attend, because the updated course adds new conditions of licence and County Lines content.

Arrange it directly with Worcestershire County Council (taxidrivertraining@worcestershire.gov.uk) as soon as possible, to avoid renewal delays. You'll need to give your name, National Insurance number, driving licence number, email, phone number and licence number.

For the test itself, see our guides on how to pass the Wolverhampton PHV test and the 8 key questions. You can also drill the topics until they're automatic in the PHV Prep UK app.

Which licence do I need, and where can I work?

This is one of the most misunderstood areas, so it's worth being precise:

• Private hire driver licence — you can accept pre-booked journeys anywhere in the country, as long as the journey is in a Wolverhampton-licensed private hire vehicle and booked through a private hire operator licensed by Wolverhampton. You cannot ply for hire or use ranks: private hire is pre-booked only.
• Hackney Carriage (dual) driver licence — you can ply or stand for hire (use a taxi rank) in a Wolverhampton-licensed Hackney Carriage anywhere within Wolverhampton, and you can also accept pre-booked journeys anywhere in the country.

What are the vehicle requirements?

If you're licensing a vehicle as well, it must meet all of the following:

• It cannot already be licensed by another authority — you must surrender any licence held elsewhere first.
• No more than 9 seats including the driver, with passenger doors that open on both sides.
• There is no minimum or maximum engine size.
• It can be any colour.
• Insurance write-off categories. Category S (formerly Cat C) or N (formerly Cat D) is acceptable only if the vehicle has been repaired and passed an MOT. Categories A and B are prohibited.
• Only manufacturer, factory-fitted privacy glass is allowed — no after-market tints.
• LPG vehicles need an LPG certificate, and the logbook must state that the vehicle is LPG.

Vehicle age and licence length

A vehicle over 10 years old will only receive a 6-month licence rather than a full term.

For vehicles over 12 years old with emissions under 75g CO₂, there's a separate application route: send all pages of your logbook to Vehicle Licensing, and if it meets the requirements you'll be sent an application form.

Does a new vehicle need an MOT?

If the vehicle is brand new with only delivery mileage (a maximum of 500 miles), no MOT certificate is required.

Other common vehicle questions

• Someone else can drive your licensed vehicle, provided they are insured and hold a relevant Wolverhampton-issued driver licence.
• Personalised number plates are allowed — see the council's "Apply for private registration" page.
• No smartphone for walkaround checks? Print and complete the government's driver vehicle condition checklist instead.
• To surrender a vehicle licence, send the licence, plate, any stickers and a completed surrender form to City of Wolverhampton Council, Chapel Street, Bilston, Wolverhampton WV14 0PH.

Where to go next

Once you know you're eligible, read how to apply for a Wolverhampton private hire licence for the step-by-step process, and our Wolverhampton PHV licensing FAQs for the practical day-to-day questions — renewals, badges, the MyLicence Portal and more. You can also learn more about the app on the PHV Prep UK page, get help via support, or read our privacy policy.

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