Drive for
Wolverhampton's longest-running taxi firm

Step 1

Hackney carriage or private hire?

Wolverhampton operates two licence types. Hackney carriage drivers (black/white liveried cabs at council ranks) can pick up off the street. More expensive to enter, more administratively involved. Private hire drivers, like all Wednesfield Cars drivers, take bookings pre-arranged through a licensed operator. Cheaper to enter, faster process. Most new drivers come in via private hire.

Step 2

Eligibility requirements

• Aged 21 or older (Wolverhampton-specific minimum)
• UK driving licence held for 3+ years
• Enhanced DBS check (criminal record)
• Group 2 medical (same standard as bus drivers)
• Right to work in the UK
• Reasonable English proficiency (Council assessment)
• No serious driving offences in the last 5 years (minor offences case-by-case)

Step 3

The Wolverhampton Council application

Apply through the City of Wolverhampton Council taxi licensing page. The steps:

• · Submit DBS, medical, and book the Wolverhampton Knowledge Test.
• · Pass the Knowledge Test25 multiple-choice questions, 80% pass mark.
• · Attend driver awareness training (half-day at council venue).
• · Vehicle inspection at an approved testing centre.
• · Pay the initial licence fee. Total first-year cost: ~£500-£700.

Step 4

Choose a private hire operator

Once you have your driver licence, you need a licensed operator to dispatch you. Look for: dispatch volume, base fee structure, vehicle hire scheme, payment turnaround, and whether the office actually picks up at 2am.

Wednesfield Cars is a strong choice for new starters, 30+ years operating, 300+ active drivers, the official Wolves taxi partnership that drives steady matchday volume, and transparent base fees. When you're ready, fill in the form above and we'll talk you through onboarding in a 20-minute call.

Step 5

First three months

Honest pacing: most new drivers find their feet at 6 to 12 weeks. Earnings start lower because dispatch allocation favours drivers it knows, and you're still learning the area. Push through the first six weeks and the income builds steadily. By month three, most of our drivers are at full-time-equivalent earnings.