Preston
North WestE07000123Population 162,864192 mi to LondonDfT ref 1 Apr 2026
Preston licenses more drivers than most authorities.
Your path to a Preston badge
preston.gov.uk · read 8 Sep 2026- Driver licence£129so far £129
- DBS checkNot setThrough the council. Then stay on the DBS update service.
- Knowledge test£42so far £171Per attempt. Preston requires topographical knowledge: local roads and places.
- English assessmentNot setRequired
- TrainingNot setDisability awareness and safeguarding, both required.
To get licensedBefore dbs check, english assessment, training and your own carAbout£171
Plating your own car: £196, not in the total.
Other licences
Hackney plate£196
Operator licence£125 to renew£137
Walks you through Preston's process, keeps track of what you have done and tells you what the council wants next.
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Work here
DfT survey · 1 Apr 2026Operators to drive for42
Market sizeLarge
737 licensed drivers. 93rd largest of 284.
Private hire fleet down 41% since 2013
580 in 2013, 344 today.
To drive for a Preston operator, you need a Preston licence. The journeys can be anywhere.
Cheapest fuel in Preston
Fuel Finder166.9p
163.9p
Or license next door
DfT survey · 1 Apr 2026| Requirement | Preston | Wyre | Ribble Valley | South Ribble |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English assessment | Required | Not required | Oral and written | Written only |
| Disability training | Required | Not required | Required | Not required |
| DBS update service | Required | Required | Not required | Required |
| Operators | 42 | 33 | 17 | 18 |
| Market size | Large | Small | Very small | Medium |
Also next door Fylde
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