Licence - private hire vehicle licences
How do I
apply?
What is Private Hire?
It is a motor vehicle constructed or adapted to seat less than
nine passengers, and which is not a hackney carriage or public
service vehicle provided for hire with the services of a driver for
the purpose of carrying passengers.
Licences are probably not needed where:
- Every passenger pays a separate fare
- The vehicle is an emergency ambulance
- The vehicle is an ambulance operated as part of a formal
Patient Transport Service (not necessarily for the NHS). Vehicles
driven by volunteers or on an ad-hoc basis for profit may still
need licensing.
- Volunteer car drivers only receive expenses within the limits
allowed by HM Revenue and Customs.
- Childminders carry children, unless it is a contractual
requirement that a vehicle is provided as part of looking after a
child.
- Transport is provided for weddings and funerals
With a Private Hire vehicle you
- Must be pre-booked,
- You cannot pick up passengers off the street or off a
rank.
- You must display a plate, fastened securely to the rear of the
vehicle, stating the district in which you are licensed, the number
of passengers you are licensed to carry and details of the vehicle
i.e. Private Hire, vehicle registration.
Please read the policy guidelines attached to the application
form available from the Taxi Licensing Officer
or telephone on (01653) 600666 ext. 474.
What is required for a vehicle
application?
When applying to licence a vehicle you must fill out the
relevant application form i.e. Hackney Carriage Vehicle or Private
Hire Vehicle, accompanied by the vehicle’s V5 document, a current
Insurance Certificate and if over 3 years old an MOT certificate.
The vehicle on first application must be under 5 years old and can
be renewed until it reaches 10 years old. If the vehicle is new and
being licensed as a Hackney Carriage, once it reaches 1 year old
the Hackney Carriage must then have a MOT certificate.
All vehicles must be inspected by the Council's Mechanic
before being licensed.
Fees
Fees are charged for vehicle, driver and operator licences.
Please
see the PDF download for
details.
What will happen if I fail to be licensed?
It is a legal requirement to be appropriately licensed and there
are several penalties for not being licensed in the appropriate
manner. Failing to have the appropriate licences in place can
result in criminal prosecution for:
- Failing to hold an operators licence
- Failing to hold a vehicle licence
- Failing to hold a drivers licence
Each offence carries a maximum penalty of £1,000.
If you require any further information please email the
Taxi Licensing Officer or
telephone 01653 600666 ext 474.