A chauffeur license is a professional driving qualification, not a separate license type

The UK does not issue a standalone "chauffeur license." Instead, a chauffeur is someone who holds a standard Category B driving license (the one most people learn to drive on) and works under specific legal conditions set by the Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) licensing rules. If you want to drive passengers for money — whether for a private hire company, a limousine service, or as an executive driver — you need a PHV operator license, a PHV driver license, and a valid Category B or Category D license, depending on the vehicle size and passenger numbers.

The confusion arises because "chauffeur" describes the job, not the license itself. You are essentially a professional driver operating under hire-and-reward rules, which means the government treats your work differently from private driving. This guide explains what you actually need to get, how the system works, and what the progression looks like from holding a standard license to working as a professional chauffeur.

Key Takeaways

  • A chauffeur in the UK is a professional driver who must hold a valid Category B or Category D driving license plus a Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) driver license issued by the local council.
  • You cannot legally drive passengers for payment using only a standard driving license; you must be licensed by your local authority as a PHV driver.
  • The company or individual you work for must also hold a PHV operator license from the same local council, separate from your personal driver license.
  • You will need to pass a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, a medical examination, and a local knowledge test before the council will issue your PHV driver license.
  • The process typically takes 4 to 8 weeks from process to approval, depending on your local council's workload and how quickly you provide supporting documents.

The difference between a standard driving license and a PHV driver license

Your standard Category B license allows you to drive a car for private use or as an employee (for example, a delivery driver or a company car user). It does not allow you to carry passengers for payment. The moment money changes hands — whether you are driving for Uber, a local taxi firm, a limousine company, or a private client — you move into the hire-and-reward category and need a PHV driver license.

A PHV driver license is issued by your local council (the licensing authority in your area) and shows that you have been vetted, checked, and approved to carry paying passengers. It is not a national license; each council issues its own, and you can only work in the area covered by the council that issued yours. If you move to a different area or want to work across multiple council areas, you will need to explore to each one separately.

The PHV driver license is personal to you and lasts for three years. It is not the same as the operator license, which is held by the business or individual who owns or runs the hire vehicle service.

What you need before you can explore for a PHV driver license

Before you contact your local council, you need to have several things in place. First, you must hold a valid full Category B driving license (not a provisional license) and have held it for at least 12 months. Some councils require longer — check with yours. You also need to be at least 21 years old, though some councils set the minimum at 25.

Second, you need a medical certificate from your GP confirming you are fit to drive. This is not a standard MOT-style check; it is a form specific to PHV licensing (often called a Group 2 medical or a PHV medical). Your GP will assess your eyesight, hearing, and general health. You will pay for this yourself — costs vary but typically range from £50 to £150.

Third, you need a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This is a criminal record check that shows whether you have any convictions, cautions, or other relevant information. You cannot explore for the DBS check yourself; your local council will arrange it as part of the process process, but you will usually pay a fee (typically £40 to £60). The council will tell you what to expect.

Finally, you will need to pass a local knowledge test set by your council. This tests your knowledge of local geography, landmarks, streets, and sometimes taxi regulations. The format and difficulty vary by council — some use a written test, others use a computer-based test, and some use a practical driving assessment. You will need to study local maps and routes before the test.

The process process and timeline

Contact your local council's licensing department and ask for the PHV driver license process pack. You can usually find this on the council website, or you can phone the licensing team directly. The pack will include the process form, a list of required documents, and information about fees and timelines.

You will need to submit the completed form along with copies of your driving license, proof of address (a recent utility bill or council tax letter), your medical certificate, and proof that you have paid for the DBS check. Some councils also ask for references from previous employers or character references.

Once the council receives your process, they will arrange the DBS check (if you have not already done so) and send you details of the local knowledge test. You will typically have 4 to 8 weeks from submission to approval, though this varies. Some councils are faster; others have longer waiting lists. During this time, you cannot legally drive passengers for payment, even if you have a standard license.

After you pass the local knowledge test and the DBS check comes back clear, the council will issue your PHV driver license. You will receive a physical card or certificate showing your license number, the council that issued it, and the expiry date (three years from issue).

The operator license: what the business needs

If you are working for a hire company, a limousine service, or any business that carries paying passengers, that business must hold a PHV operator license from the same local council. This is separate from your personal driver license and is held by the owner or manager of the business, not by you as the driver.

The operator license covers the vehicles used, the insurance, the complaints procedure, and the overall running of the service. As a driver, you do not explore for this yourself — your employer does. However, you should check that the business you are working for actually holds a valid operator license before you start work. You can verify this by asking your employer or by contacting the local council's licensing team.

If you are self-employed and drive your own vehicle for hire (for example, as a private chauffeur for individual clients), you will need to hold both the PHV driver license and the PHV operator license yourself. This means explore twice and paying two sets of fees.

Costs and fees you will encounter

The costs vary by council, but here is what you can expect to pay:

  • Medical examination: £50 to £150 (paid to your GP, not the council)
  • DBS check: £40 to £60 (usually paid to the council as part of the process)
  • PHV driver license process fee: £100 to £300 (varies by council)
  • Local knowledge test: Often included in the process fee, but some councils charge separately (£20 to £50)
  • Renewal: When your license expires after three years, renewal costs typically £100 to £250

If you are self-employed and need an operator license as well, add another £200 to £500 for that process. Always check your local council's website for the exact fees in your area, as these change regularly.

What happens if you drive without a PHV driver license

Driving passengers for payment without a valid PHV driver license is illegal. You can be fined up to £1,000 and may face prosecution. Your vehicle can also be seized, and your standard driving license may be endorsed. If you are working for a company that does not hold a valid operator license, both you and the company are breaking the law.

If you are caught, the council will investigate, and you may be banned from explore for a PHV license in the future. It is not worth the risk. The process process takes a few weeks, but it is straightforward if you have the right documents and pass the checks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my standard driving license to drive for Uber or a taxi app?

No. Uber and similar services are classified as hire-and-reward, which means you must hold a PHV driver license from your local council. Using only a standard license is illegal and can result in a fine of up to £1,000. You must explore to your council before you start work.

Do I need a different license if I drive a limousine instead of a regular car?

If the limousine seats up to eight passengers (including the driver), you need a Category B license and a PHV driver license, the same as any other hire vehicle. If it seats more than eight passengers, you may need a Category D license instead. Check with your local council about the specific vehicle you will be driving.

What if I fail the local knowledge test?

Most councils allow you to retake the test. You will usually have to wait a set period (often 7 to 14 days) before you can sit it again, and you may have to pay another test fee. There is no limit on the number of attempts, but each failure delays your license approval.

Can I work as a chauffeur in a different council area with my license?

No. Your PHV driver license is only valid in the council area that issued it. If you want to work in a different area, you must explore to that council for a separate license. Some people hold licenses from multiple councils if they work across different areas, but each requires its own process and approval.

How long does a PHV driver license last?

Your PHV driver license is valid for three years from the date of issue. After three years, you must renew it by explore to your council again. The renewal process is usually faster than the initial process, but you will need an updated medical certificate and DBS check.