Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy

Application must be made on the Council’s form and the appropriate fee paid. Where the applicant meets the Council’s criteria for licensing a licence will be issued for a period of 6 months. Renewal information will be given at the time of the issue.

The following requirements must be met:

• Any vehicle for which an application for grant of a vehicle licence is being made will be subject to a pre-inspection by an authorised officer of the council to ensure that all vehicle conditions are met prior to the application being accepted. Each vehicle must meet the Council’s vehicle conditions in order to proceed to application for licensing.
• Any vehicle for which an application is made for either grant or renewal will be subject to the Council’s Taxi Test at one of the Council’s approved garages. This test incorporates a VOSA approved MOT test, which must be carried out at the same time as the remaining assessments specific to the Council’s Taxi Test.
• The applicant must present the V5 vehicle registration document at the time of the application. Where the original V5 has been passed to the DVLA for change of owner details etc., the applicant must present a copy of the V5 plus the completed section relating to change of owner details or address etc. The updated V5 must be submitted to the Council within 6 weeks of the application date.
• Where the vehicle is fitted with a meter, the calibration certificate must be presented at the time of application.
• The applicant must provide proof of insurance for the vehicle and with specific reference to the proposed use and demonstrate that the vehicle has been continuously correctly insured during the preceding licensed period. Except during periods where the vehicle has been subject to a suspension notice being issued under section 60 or 68 of the local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 and was not being driven as a taxi Under s.60 a vehicle may still be driven as a taxi if its suspended pending appeal, the requirement for continuous insurance is this case will still apply.
• The applicant must provide an HPI check to accompany the vehicle grant application.
• The vehicle must not be licensed as a hackney carriage or private hire vehicle with any other Local Authority.