How to apply for a Sefton private hire licence: the 9 steps, fees and timing

Sefton checks whether you are 'fit and proper' to hold a licence. Before you apply, it asks you to have the evidence for every check below. You also need images of the front and back of your photocard driving licence. You must have held a driving licence for at least 12 months; UK and EEA licences count.

Sefton also checks the National Register of Refusals and Revocations, to see whether another council has refused or revoked a licence for you.

Source: New Drivers (Taxi Licensing) (opens in a new tab) (Sefton Council, New Driver Applications Process: Pre-requirements)[1]

• Step 1, DBS: Sefton only accepts enhanced certificates that include both barred lists (adults and children). If you do not have one, you can apply through TaxiPlus. See our DBS check guide.
• Step 2, Update Service: you must subscribe to the DBS Update Service within 28 calendar days of the issue date on your certificate, keep the subscription every year, and keep the original certificate.
• Step 3, DVLA check: generate an online check code so Sefton can see your entitlement and driving history. You must declare all cautions, convictions and pending matters; see our criminal convictions guide.
• Step 4, right to licence check: prove your right to live and work in the UK with documents from Sefton's List A or List B, or with a check code. See our right to work guide.

Source: New Drivers (Taxi Licensing) (opens in a new tab) (Sefton Council, Steps 1 to 4)[1]

You need a full vocational (DVLA Group II) medical from your own GP, a GP at another practice, or any GMC-registered doctor with access to your full medical records. Our Group 2 medical guide explains the standard.

Medical certificates are only valid if less than four months old. Sefton expects all checks and tests, including the Knowledge Test, to be done in time for your licence to be issued within four months of your medical. If your medical expires first, you must pay for a new one, and Sefton will not refund lost medical fees. So it makes sense to be ready for the test before you book the medical.

Source: New Drivers (Taxi Licensing) (opens in a new tab) (Sefton Council, 5. Medical Check)[1]

Sefton asks for a tax check code if you are renewing a licence, applying for the same type of licence you held less than a year ago, or applying for a licence you already hold with another council. If this is your first licence, you instead confirm that you know your tax responsibilities. Our HMRC tax check guide explains both.

Sources: New Drivers (Taxi Licensing) (opens in a new tab) (Sefton Council, 6. Conditionality Check)[1]; Confirm your tax responsibilities when applying for a taxi, private hire or scrap metal licence (opens in a new tab) (HM Revenue & Customs (GOV.UK), Introduction: when you must confirm your tax responsibilities)[2]

When you can meet the checks, submit your application and evidence through Sefton's online portal and pay the £50 application fee. Sefton asks you not to contact it while it processes the application; it will email you.

Once your application is reviewed, you are invited to an appointment at Bootle One Stop Shop. Bring all the documents you uploaded as originals: no copies, images on phones or printouts from the internet. You must also bring your original DBS certificate, subscribed to the Update Service.

Source: New Drivers (Taxi Licensing) (opens in a new tab) (Sefton Council, 7. Submit your application; 8. Attend your One Stop Shop appointment)[1]

Once all the checks are satisfied, you are invited to the Knowledge Test. It has ten questions and you need at least seven right. All the answers are in Sefton's Licensing Handbook, which you can use during the test. If your last Sefton licence expired less than two years ago, you do not need to take it again. Our Sefton Knowledge Test guide explains how to find answers in the handbook quickly.

Source: New Drivers (Taxi Licensing) (opens in a new tab) (Sefton Council, 9. Knowledge Test)[1]

Sefton says paid fees cannot be refunded in any circumstances.

Source: New Drivers (Taxi Licensing) (opens in a new tab) (Sefton Council, New Driver Application Fee; 9. Knowledge Test)[1]

Sefton publishes how far it has got with new applications on its New Drivers page and updates it as timescales change. When we checked on 13 November 2026, it said it had contacted everyone who applied up to 16 September 2026. Check the page for the current date before you plan your medical.

If a check raises an issue that could lead to refusal, Sefton gives you the chance to send more information and character references before it decides.

Source: New Drivers (Taxi Licensing) (opens in a new tab) (Sefton Council, New Driver Applications (Timescales); The Mitigation Process)[1]