How to Apply for a Solihull PHV Licence

This guide explains how to apply for a Solihull private hire licence (or hackney carriage driver licence) with Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, step by step and in the order you'll actually do it. Solihull front-loads the process: almost everything has to be finished before you book your appointment.

Every requirement below comes from the council's published driver licence guide, linked at the bottom of this page.

Before you book: the pre-application steps

1. Practical driving assessment (Blue Lamp Trust)

You need a practical driving assessment delivered by Blue Lamp Trust. Your certificate needs to be less than 12 months old when you apply for your licence, so don't take it too far in advance of the rest.

2. Enhanced DBS disclosure

Your criminal record check must be:

• Enhanced — the council will not accept basic or standard.
• For the occupation of taxi/private hire driver under "other workforce".
• Inclusive of a check of both the adults' and children's barred lists.

Solihull uses TaxiPlus for these checks, and you must subscribe to the DBS update service within 30 days of the certificate being issued.

3. Medical assessment

You must meet DVLA Group 2 medical standards — the higher standard that applies to professional drivers. The assessment must be completed by a GMC registered medical practitioner on the council's own medical assessment form, and the certificate should be dated within 1 month of when you make your application.

4. Training course and knowledge test

The course runs for approximately 4 hours (breaks provided), plus an extra 60 minutes for the test, and is booked through the council's online booking portal. It covers safeguarding and CSAE risks including county lines, disability awareness and the Equality Act 2010, customer service and communication, the Highway Code and road safety, vehicle maintenance, and compliance with legislation, conditions and policy.

The test itself is 48 questions — 8 on each subject — and you need 36 right (75%) to pass. Results come within 5 working days, and the certificate needs to be less than 12 months old when you apply. Our guide to passing the Solihull PHV test covers the format and revision in detail.

You can practise for it in the PHV Prep UK app, which builds mock papers to the Solihull shape — 48 questions, 8 per subject, marked at 36/48. It's on the App Store and Google Play.

5. DVLA licence check code

You need a check code from the DVLA so the council can view your driving licence record. These codes are only valid for 21 days, so generate yours close to your appointment rather than early.

6. HMRC tax check (where applicable)

If you currently hold a private hire or hackney carriage licence, or have held one within the last 12 months, you need an HMRC tax check code. These expire after 120 days.

If you do not hold one and have not held one in the last 12 months, you instead sign a declaration confirming that.

What documents do I need?

• Your DVLA photocard (both sides), or both sides of the old-style paper licence.
• A clear, current passport-style photograph of your head and shoulders.
• A completed application form.
• Proof of your right to work in the UK. If you have a UK passport — current or expired — you must provide it.

Bring your Blue Lamp Trust certificate, DBS, medical certificate and knowledge test certificate as well, and check the dating rules above: several of them expire.

How do I book my appointment?

Solihull is appointment-only — walk-ins are not accepted. Email licensing@solihull.gov.uk to book, including:

• Your full name
• Your date of birth
• Your mobile number
• The reason for the appointment

How much does it cost?

Solihull does not publish its licence, course or retake fees on the taxi licensing pages linked below, so we won't quote a figure. Ask the licensing team for the current fees before you budget — and remember the DBS, medical and driving assessment are separate costs paid to their providers, not to the council.

Where to go next

The paperwork is the easy part — the test is the hurdle. See how to pass the Solihull PHV test and the Solihull PHV test FAQs. Applying elsewhere in the West Midlands? We have guides for Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Tamworth and Wolverhampton too.

Official sources

• Solihull Council — Taxi licensing
• Solihull Council — Private hire and hackney carriage driver licence guide

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