PHV licensing in Wolverhampton (City of Wolverhampton Council)
Authority
City of Wolverhampton Council
Legal framework: 1976_act_england_wales
Fees
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- 1: [object Object]
Appeals
magistrates' court within 21 days
DfT 2023 best practice pushes councils to use joint authorisation agreements against out-of-area drivers; Deregulation Act 2015 cross-border hiring still lawful where operator/vehicle/driver share the same licensing authority.
PHV licensing in Wolverhampton (City of Wolverhampton Council)
Authority: City of Wolverhampton Council Legal framework: Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 + Deregulation Act 2015 Last verified: 19 April 2026
Summary
Wolverhampton is the outlier everyone talks about. Its relatively quick processing, cheaper training fees (£40-£50 for driver training programme + test) and the Deregulation Act 2015 mean many Uber and PHV drivers licence here then legally work Birmingham, Manchester and beyond, as long as operator, vehicle and driver all match the Wolverhampton authority.
What it costs, in full
| Item | Cost | Source | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver training programme + test fee | £40 to £50 | Wolverhampton fees 2024-25 | 2026-04-19 |
| Fast-track application fees | not published here, FOI required | Wolverhampton | 2026-04-19 |
Other fees (DBS, medical, application/grant) should be confirmed directly with the council fee appendix.
The Wolverhampton route
Lawful under current law if:
- Operator is licensed by Wolverhampton
- Vehicle is licensed by Wolverhampton
- Driver is licensed by Wolverhampton
DfT now pushes joint enforcement against out-of-area drivers, but cross-border hiring under the Deregulation Act 2015 is still live in 2025-26.
If they refuse or revoke
Appeal route is the magistrates' court within 21 days.
Related tools and guides
- PHV licensing cost checker
- Non-London PHV licensing UK 2026 (national hub)
- Uber private hire insurance UK
- Uber complete guide UK
Before you leave
Sources
- Wolverhampton iApply private hire driver licence
- Wolverhampton Council fees and charges 2024-25
- Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976
- Deregulation Act 2015
- DfT taxi and PHV licensing best practice guidance 16 Nov 2023
- LPHCA Taxi and PHV Licensing Task and Finish Group Report
- GOV.UK taxi driver licence overview