Who can apply
You can apply if:
- you're at least 18 years old
- you've had a full UK driving licence for at least 12 months
What you need to do
Pass the Knowledge Test
- Hackney carriage drivers: know the shortest routes around Norwich.
- Private hire drivers: know key locations and landmarks.
Norwich City Council is introducing new online knowledge tests from 25th May 2026. The test is now online (tablet-based) but will still be taken at the Council offices.
You need to score at least 80% to pass.
The test follows Norwich City Council marking standards.
The test includes:
- Compulsory requirements
- Customer care and equality
- Private hire (PH) / hackney carriage (HC) requirements
- PH / HC customer care
- PH / HC policy and law
- Route and local knowledge
- Signage and roads (including the Highway Code)
The aim of the test is to make sure drivers understand the rules and can apply them in real situations.
To prepare you for your test, it is recommended that you familiarise yourself with the relevant important policies.
What if I fail the test?
You will need to retake the test to achieve the 80% pass mark.
The Licensing Team will advise you what to do next should you need to retake the test.
Book and pay for the test online
Complete these checks and training
- driving assessment: book and pass a driving test.
- wheelchair assessment: required for hackney carriage drivers.
- safeguarding training: you'll need to book this online.
- medical check: your doctor must complete a form based on your medical records.
- criminal record check (DBS): apply through Taxi Plus for faster processing.
- right to work: show proof you can work in the UK.
- tax check: required if you're renewing or have held a similar licence before.
Check your eligibility before applying
Read our guidance on how we assess suitability to help you understand your chances of getting a licence before you submit an application.
Prepare your documents
Before applying online, make sure you have:
- medical certificate (completed by your doctor)
- passport-style photo (taken in the last 3 months)
- valid DVLA driving licence with your current address
- two forms of ID (e.g. passport and utility bill)
- DBS certificate or DBS update service registration
- proof of National Insurance number (e.g. P60, payslip)
If you register for the DBS update service, we can check your certificate status online in the future without having to apply for a new check. Find out more about the DBS update service on GOV.UK.
Apply online
You will need to:
- upload your documents
- pay the initial fee:
- hackney carriage: £436 (plus £103 later)
- private hire: £303 (plus £90 later)
What happens next
- we’ll check your documents and book your safeguarding training
- if everything is in order, your application will be processed (this can take at least 6 weeks)
- if approved, you’ll get a link to book a licence collection appointment and pay the remaining fee.
Important notes
- you must tell the council within 7 days if you get any motoring or criminal convictions
- all licensed vehicles must pass a special safety test
- Norwich City Council uses a national register to track licence refusals and revocations.
