Wolverhampton refresher training and re-test for existing private hire drivers

Wolverhampton's test page says that if you are an existing licence holder and completed the theoretical assessment before 19 September 2019, you will need to re-take it.

The council's FAQ explains why: the course now includes new conditions of licence and county lines content, which drivers trained before that date did not cover.

Sources: Taxi knowledge and practical test (opens in a new tab) (City of Wolverhampton Council, Existing licence holders)[1]; Taxi licence FAQs (opens in a new tab) (City of Wolverhampton Council, Drivers: I have been asked to re-do the training – why?)[2]

Existing drivers arrange the training directly with Worcestershire County Council by emailing taxidrivertraining@worcestershire.gov.uk. Worcestershire will arrange a day and time for you. The council asks you to do this as soon as possible to avoid delays with your renewal application.

Include these details in your email:

• your name
• your National Insurance number
• your driving licence number
• your email address
• your contact telephone number
• your licence number

Sources: Taxi knowledge and practical test (opens in a new tab) (City of Wolverhampton Council, Existing licence holders)[1]; Taxi licence FAQs (opens in a new tab) (City of Wolverhampton Council, Drivers: I have been asked to re-do the training – why?)[2]

It is the same course and test as for new applicants: about six hours of training, then 28 multiple-choice questions with 75% needed to pass. Eight are key questions: 3 on safeguarding, 2 on plying for hire, 2 on disability awareness and 1 on GDPR. The course and test are only in English.

Some rules have changed since 2019. For example, Wolverhampton's current private hire driver licence conditions say you must not use a vehicle with a 3D, 4D, ghost or sticker number plate. They also say your English must be good enough to understand written documents such as policies and safeguarding guidance. Read the current conditions and common answers before you go.

Sources: Taxi knowledge and practical test (opens in a new tab) (City of Wolverhampton Council, Private hire licence: training course)[1]; Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Licensing Policy (12.06.2026), including licence conditions, Guidelines on Fitness and Propriety, fees and Taxi CCTV Policy (opens in a new tab) (City of Wolverhampton Council, Private Hire Driver Licence Conditions, conditions 27 and 28)[3]

Separately from the re-test, the council said in its Winter 2024/25 newsletter that it was looking to deliver further online refresher training for all renewing drivers. It said the refresher training would include the licence conditions and any changes since your last licence.

Check your renewal letter and Wolverhampton's taxi licensing pages for what applies to you now.

Source: Taxi and Private Hire Newsletter, Winter 2024/25 issue 16 (opens in a new tab) (City of Wolverhampton Council, Page 1, message from the chair; page 6)[4]

To renew, you need the Personal Reference Number from your renewal letter, which is sent by email. If you have not received it and your licence has less than 4 weeks left, email the council.

The council lists these as mandatory for a renewal. If one is missing, your application will be delayed:

• an HMRC tax check code (see our HMRC tax check guide)
• a medical certificate, including the DVLA D4 form (see our Group 2 medical guide)
• right to work evidence (see our right to work guide)

Source: Taxi licence FAQs (opens in a new tab) (City of Wolverhampton Council, Drivers: How do I renew my existing licence?; My details are not showing on the public register)[2]

Licences are sent by email; the council no longer issues paper licences. Your licence status is updated daily on the council's public register, and if your licence appears there you may continue to work.

If you stop being on the DBS Update Service, you will need to provide a new DBS certificate. Our DBS check guide explains the Update Service.

Source: Taxi licence FAQs (opens in a new tab) (City of Wolverhampton Council, Drivers: How will I receive my licence?; How do I know if my licence is valid?; I am not on the DBS Update Service)[2]