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How much does a London PHV driver licence cost?
Here is every fee TfL lists for a new London private hire driver licence, in one place. Fees changed in 2026, so old websites may be wrong.
Quick facts
- Fixed costs, first year: about £534.42
- Application £138 (not refundable) and grant £205
- Each assessment £40 first time, £30 for a re-sit
- Enhanced DBS £56.42. DBS Update Service £15 per year
- Medical: the doctor sets the price. Not included in the total
Fee table
| Item | First time | Re-sit |
|---|---|---|
| Enhanced DBS check (with ID verification) | £56.42 | - |
| DBS Update Service | £15 per year | - |
| Medical (DVLA Group 2 standard) | Set by the doctor | - |
| English speaking and listening assessment | £40 | £30 |
| SERU assessment | £40 | £30 |
| Topographical skills assessment (unless exempt) | £40 | £30 |
| Licence application fee (not refundable) | £138 | - |
| Grant of licence fee | £205 | - |
| Post Office Check and Send (optional) | £7.15 | - |
Adding it up
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Enhanced DBS | £56.42 |
| DBS Update Service, 1 year | £15 |
| 3 assessments, first time | £120 |
| Application | £138 |
| Grant of licence | £205 |
| Total | £534.42 |
Then add your medical, any Certificate of Good Conduct, and any re-sit. If you are exempt from the topographical assessment you save £40.
Why other sites show different prices
TfL changed assessment fees on 9 March 2026 (from £36 and £16 to £40 and £30). It changed the application and grant fees on 1 June 2026 (from £124 and £186 to £138 and £205). Older pages show the old prices.
Ways to avoid extra cost
- Practise before the SERU test. A re-sit is £30 plus the wait. Try the free timed SERU paper.
- Check if you are exempt from the topographical assessment on the TfL page.
- Ask the doctor for the price before you book the medical.
- Do not pay for a fast-track. TfL says it does not offer a fast-track service. Anyone who sells one is acting fraudulently.
Step by step: London PHV licence guide.
Licence Companion
These pages stay free. The Licence Companion is a personal checklist: tick each step, add your own dates, and get an email reminder. See it with the other plans.
Practise for the SERU test
Free timed paper, 36 questions, no sign-up.
Common questions
How much does a London PHV driver licence cost?
Using TfL's listed fees, the fixed costs add up to about £534.42 in the first year if you take all three assessments once and pay for the DBS and one year of the Update Service. Your medical costs extra. The doctor sets that price. Check TfL for the latest fees (checked 13 October 2026).
Is the application fee refundable?
No. TfL says the £138 application fee is not refundable.
How much is a re-sit?
£30 for each assessment, according to TfL Notice 05/26.
Do I pay the DBS Update Service every year?
Yes. It costs £15 per year according to TfL and GOV.UK. TfL says you must stay subscribed while licensed.
Why do other websites show different prices?
Fees changed in 2026. Application and grant fees changed on 1 June 2026 and assessment fees on 9 March 2026. Older pages may show £36, £16, £124 and £186.
More guides
Sources
- TfL, Private hire driver licence (checked 13 October 2026)
- TfL, English language requirement (checked 13 October 2026)
- TfL, Topographical skills assessment (checked 13 October 2026)
- TfL, SERU for private hire drivers (checked 13 October 2026)
- TfL, Notice 05/26, taxi and private hire licence fees (13 March 2026)
- GOV.UK, DBS Update Service (checked 13 October 2026)