Taxi & Private Hire
Licensing Support
LGV / HGV
Practical support, training and resources to help drivers understand and prepare for the taxi and private hire licensing process.
Smart Taxi Solutions is an independent service provider. We do not issue taxi or private hire licences. Licensing decisions are made by the relevant local authority.
Efficient Application Support. We help customers organise documents, understand application requirements and complete administrative steps efficiently. Council processing times vary and are outside our control.
What we do
Support at every stage of licensing
Licence application support
Help understanding and preparing your taxi or private hire driver licence application.
Knowledge test preparation
Practice and guidance for council knowledge tests.
DBS guidance
Clear explanation of the enhanced DBS check and Update Service.
Topographical test preparation
Map-reading and route-planning practice where a topographical test applies.
SERU preparation
Safety, Equality and Regulatory Understanding preparation for TfL private hire drivers.
Council-specific guidance
Original guides explaining how licensing works at councils across the UK.
Taxi & private hire software
Practice software for knowledge, topographical and SERU tests.
Customer support
Real people to help you understand the process — not a substitute for the council.
LGV/HGV driver training
Complete guidance and training support towards becoming a professional LGV/HGV driver.
Start Your LGV / HGV Driving Career
Complete training and guidance from start to finish — helping you take the next step towards becoming a qualified professional LGV/HGV driver.
Explore LGV / HGV Training
Council Guides
Popular council guides
Knowledge Centre
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FAQ
Questions, answered
Is Smart Taxi Solutions a council or licensing authority?
No. Smart Taxi Solutions is an independent service provider. We are not a council, government department or licensing authority. Final licensing decisions are always made by the relevant local authority.
Does Smart Taxi Solutions guarantee my licence will be approved?
No. We cannot guarantee licence approval, council approval, processing time, a pass or a badge. The council makes the final decision. We provide application support, document preparation and test preparation.
What is the difference between a private hire driver licence and a hackney carriage driver licence?
A private hire driver licence lets you drive pre-booked vehicles only. A hackney carriage driver licence lets you pick up fares from a rank or be hailed in the street. Requirements vary by council — confirm with your licensing authority.
What is a dual driver licence?
A dual driver licence combines private hire and hackney carriage privileges in one licence, where the council offers it. Not all councils issue dual licences — confirm whether it is available in your area.
How do I apply for a taxi or private hire driver licence?
Applications are made to the relevant licensing authority. The process usually involves checks (DBS, medical), tests, document submission and a council decision. Smart Taxi Solutions can help you prepare, but only the council decides.
What documents are usually required for a taxi licence application?
Commonly: a driving licence, proof of right to work, an enhanced DBS check, a medical assessment, and proof of address. Exact requirements vary by council — confirm with the relevant authority.
Contact
Get in touch
Independent of councils — we're here to help you understand and prepare for the licensing process.
Telephone
0204 584 2477
info@smarttaxisolutions.co.uk
Business
Smart Taxi Solutions
Reg No. 17210238
Smart Taxi Solutions is an independent service provider and is not a council, government department or licensing authority. We do not guarantee licence approval, council approval, processing times, a pass or a badge.