Private Hire Vehicle Licence
All Private Hire vehicles must be licenced unless exempt by legislation.
The Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 defines a private hire vehicle as:
"any motor vehicle adapted to carry less than nine passengers and which is provided for hire with the services of a driver to carry passengers, but which is not already licensed as a hackney carriage (taxi) or as a public service vehicle (bus or coach)".
The only exemption from this legislation is where the transport is provided solely in connection with a wedding or a funeral (section 75).
If you have any questions please contact the Taxi Licensing Officer.
Minimum Requirements
Vehicles must
- be less than five years old (renewals may be up to eight years old if the vehicle is in exceptional condition)
- display a valid Road Fund Licence
- be clean and tidy, inside and out
- carry a fire extinguisher which is within the manufacturers' recommended replacement date and in a clean and usable condition
- carry a first aid kit with a full set of contents, preferably kept within a waterproof or sealed bag
- carry a spare wheel and the tools to change it
- have fully operational windows
- have seatbelts in good condition and working order
Additionally;
- rooflights, if fitted, must be working and attached directly to the gutter or roof-rack retaining bolts. Lights attached to roofbars or their brackets will not be allowed
- a taximeter, if fitted, will be tested
Application Procedure
Applicants must complete and return:
- Private Hire Vehicle Licence Application Form on the right hand side of this page.
If you need assistance to complete the application forms, you are welcome to visit the Passenger Transport office and we will be happy to help you.
Documentation
Applicants must supply:
- Insurance certificate which provides for private hire and reward
- V5 vehicle registration document (Contact DVLA - 0870 240 0010)
- MOT certificate if vehicle is over one year old
Tests
Vehicles must
- undergo a visual inspection by our Taxi Licensing Officer
- if over one year old, have a valid MOT certificate
Fees
Licence fee of £120.00 per annum.
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