How much is a taxi medical cost UK?
Unfortunately, there is no set national price for a taxi medical in 2026. It will depend on your local council, the medical provider, and the medical that you need. And any additional checks or paperwork that are required.
In general, most taxi medicals seem to fall between £45-£150, with some valued at around £120-£135. However, this can vary greatly, and these are simply averages.
The important thing to remember is that taxi medical costs in the UK are not the same everywhere. Before booking, check your local council’s requirements and ask the medical provider what is included in the price.
How Much Taxi Medical Cost UK in 2026?
Taxi medical costs UK drivers pay usually depend on the medical provider. It can also vary based on your local licensing authority’s requirements.
As a guideline, some medical providers charge between £45 and £ 150 per taxi or private hire medical in 2026.
The cost may vary depending on your location or the medical provider you select. However, you should not treat this as a standard national price. Your local provider may charge more or less depending on what the appointment includes.
Before booking, check whether the quoted price includes:
- The full medical examination.
- Vision checks.
- Completion of the council’s medical form.
- Review of your medical history.
- Any required paperwork.
- Additional tests, if needed.
- Follow-up appointments.
A lower advertised price does not necessarily mean the overall price will be low. For instance, some companies may provide services at a lower price but charge extra for required paperwork and additional tests.
The lowest advertised price is not always the lowest overall cost. Check what is included before you book.
What Is a Taxi Medical?
A taxi medical is a medical test to establish whether you’re fit to drive a licensed taxi or private-hire vehicle.
Drivers for hire often spend long hours at the wheel and may have to help passengers with their luggage in addition to driving. Because of this, licensing authorities typically require a standard of medical fitness beyond what’s required for a standard car license.
In accordance with UK Government guidelines, Transport for London (TfL) is responsible for licensing taxis in Greater London.
For the rest of the country, taxi licensing duties usually fall to the local authority or licensing board.
A taxi medical may be required when you:
- Apply for your first taxi driver licence.
- Apply for a private hire driver licence.
- Renew a licence at a particular age or interval.
- Report a change in your health.
- Are asked by the licensing authority to provide further medical evidence
- The exact process is dependent on who issues your licence.
What Does a Taxi Medical Usually Include?
The exact taxi medical test depends on the form and medical standard required by your licensing authority.
A typical assessment may involve a review of your:
- Medical history.
- Current health.
- Medication.
- Blood pressure.
- Eyesight and visual ability.
- Other conditions that could affect safe driving.
Where Group 2 standards apply, the assessment can cover a broad range of medical conditions relevant to fitness to drive. For example, Sheffield City Council specifically includes:
- Neurological conditions
- Cardiovascular conditions
- Diabetes
- Mental health conditions
- Visual impairments
- Renal conditions
- Respiratory conditions
The doctor’s role is to assess your fitness against the relevant medical standard.
The licensing authority then reviews the medical information and makes the final decision on whether a taxi or private hire licence can be issued.
This distinction is important because:
- The medical professional provides the clinical assessment and report.
- The licensing authority is responsible for the licensing decision.
What Affects the Cost of a Taxi Driver's Medical?
Several factors can affect the final taxi driver medical cost.
1. Your local licensing requirements
Councils can have their own forms, procedures and requirements. Some authorities may require a particular medical form or specific standard.
This means the cost in one area may not match the price in another.
2. The medical provider
Private clinics, GP practices and other qualified medical providers can set their own fees for private medical examinations.
A provider’s price may reflect the appointment length, doctor’s professional time, administration and paperwork involved.
3. The type of licence
A taxi medical and a private hire medical often have similar requirements. However, the exact rules can vary by licensing authority.
Some authorities use Group 2 medical standards for taxi and private hire drivers. Others have their own medical requirements.
4. Additional tests or information
If they need more information, you may need to provide extra documents or have another evaluation.
For instance, a licensing authority may request medical documentation from your GP or specialist. This does not necessarily mean that something is wrong. It may simply mean that further information is needed to properly assess your fitness.
5. Forms and paperwork
Some providers include completion of the required taxi medical form in the advertised price. Others may charge separately for additional reports or administrative work.
Always ask what is included before booking.
6. Aftercare consultation
If further information or testing is required, ask the provider whether additional fees apply before proceeding.
Is a Taxi Medical the Same as a DVLA Group 2 Medical?
Not necessarily.
A DVLA Group 2 medical relates to the higher medical standards used for drivers of large lorries and buses. DVLA describes Group 2 as covering large lorry and bus licence holders, including categories C and D.
However, many taxi and private hire licensing authorities use Group 2 medical standards when assessing driver fitness.
The Department for Transport’s best practice guidance for licensing authorities in England recommends applying the Group 2 medical standard to taxi and private hire vehicle drivers.
However, do not assume that every taxi medical is identical across the UK.
Your local authority may have different requirements, such as a different medical form, method of application, timeframes or additional requirements. You must contact your local authority to confirm what they require.
Taxi Medical Requirements in the UK
There is no single taxi medical process that applies identically to every UK driver.
Requirements can vary between:
- Local authorities.
- Transport for London.
- Taxi and private hire licences.
- New applications.
- Renewals.
- Driver age.
- Changes in medical circumstances.
The UK Government confirms that taxi licensing outside London is handled by local authorities. While Transport for London is responsible for the London area.
The timing of medical assessments can also differ.
For example, Bristol requires a medical when someone first applies, then every five years from age 45 until 65, followed by annual assessments after 65. Other authorities have different schedules. Cambridge, for example, specifies its own age-based medical intervals.
This is why checking your council’s current requirements before booking is important.
What Should You Take to a Taxi Medical?
Before attending your taxi medical examination, prepare the information the doctor may need.
Depending on your licensing authority and medical provider, you may need:
- Your driving licence.
- The taxi or private hire medical form.
- Details of current medication.
- Information about previous medical conditions.
- Relevant medical records or a medical history summary.
- Details of any hospital or specialist treatment.
- Glasses or contact lenses if you normally use them.
Some councils specifically require access to your medical history. Do not wait until the day of the appointment to discover that your council requires a particular form.
How Long Does a Taxi Medical Take?
- The taxi medical test’s timing depends on the provider and the situation in which you are taking it.
- Our appointments usually run from 15 to 20 minutes and are rather straightforward.
- During your appointment, the doctor will go over and finish any paperwork and go over your medical history.
- Standard checks required by the relevant licensing or medical authority will be carried out.
- In certain cases, the appointment may take a little longer due to medical and medication reviews and the discussion of other supporting documentation.
- To ensure there are no delays, please make sure to bring along any required medical records or documents that need to be reviewed during your appointment.
How to Prepare for a Taxi Medical
- Make sure that you correctly fill out the form and understand if you have to show your medical records.
- Bring your glasses or contact lenses if you need them to drive.
- Make sure to have an updated list of your medications and medical records.
- If you have been treated at the hospital or by a specialist, make sure to bring along the relevant documents with you.
- Do not quit taking the medications if you were prescribed some.
- If you have questions about medication or anything else, ask your regular doctor.
- The doctors need accurate information about your health to determine your fitness. So answer their questions truthfully.
Taxi Medical Cost: What Should You Check Before Booking?
Before paying for your medical, use this simple checklist:
- Check the council requirements: Confirm which medical standard and form you need.
- Check the full price: Ask whether the advertised fee includes the examination and paperwork.
- Check additional charges: Find out whether further tests, reports or follow-ups cost extra.
- Check the provider: Make sure the doctor can complete the required assessment.
- Check appointment timing: Allow enough time if medical records need to be obtained.
- Check your documents: Take the correct form and relevant health information.
- Check the location: A convenient clinic can make the process much simpler, especially if you need to come back for additional information.
Taking the time to check these things will prevent the unnecessary expenditure of the wrong medical driver.
Frequently Asked Question
1: How much does a taxi medical cost in the UK?
A: There is no fixed UK-wide price. Published 2026 examples show taxi medical costs typically around £45–£150 at some providers, but the final price depends on your location, the clinic, and your licensing authority’s requirements.
2: What is a taxi medical?
A: A taxi medical usually involves reviewing your medical history and carrying out relevant health and eyesight checks. The exact assessment depends on the requirements of the licensing authority.
3: Is a taxi medical the same as a DVLA medical?
A: Not exactly. While many councils base their taxi medical examination on DVLA Group 2 standards, the process and paperwork are not always identical. Each licensing authority can set its own rules for taxi and private hire drivers.
4: Do I need a Group 2 medical for a taxi licence?
A: In many areas, yes. A DVLA Group 2 medical is a standard requirement for taxi and private hire licensing, but it is not a universal requirement across all councils. You should always check with your local authority regarding taxi licence medical requirements before booking.
5: How long does a taxi medical take?
A: A usual driver medical test appointment is generally simple and may only take you 15-20 minutes. It may take longer in case of complicated cases or situations when more information is needed.
Final Thoughts
The taxi medical cost UK drivers face in 2026 is not set at one national rate. Published rates suggest that you can expect to pay anywhere from the low to mid £100s for a Taxi or Private Hire Medical. It depends on the provider, the area, your medical needs, and any additional services that may be required.
The most important thing is to check with your licensing authority before scheduling. Some councils use DVLA Group 2 medical standards, while the exact forms, timing and procedures can differ.
If you are looking for a convenient taxi medical, Driver Medical Test can help you arrange an appointment and complete the required medical assessment. Check the requirements for your licence before booking so you attend with the correct paperwork and information.
