Hackney carriage or private hire quick guide

Vehicle guidance

The basics

Hackney Carriages may be used to ply for hire in the street and may be pre-booked. Private Hire vehicles must be pre-booked through a Licensed Private Hire Operator and may not be hailed in the street.

Suitability of vehicles for licensing

The Borough Council will not grant or renew a licence unless satisfied that the vehicle is suitable to be a licensed vehicle, is in a suitable mechanical condition, safe and comfortable. Vehicle licences last for 12 months.

To apply for a Hackney Carriage Licence you will need:

a brand new purpose built vehicle fully tested to M1 category; such vehicle cannot be replaced unless it is replaced with at least an equivalent or newer purpose built model
to complete an application form
to obtain a back plate from the licensing team which will be affixed to the outside of the rear of the car, showing the vehicle details
a certificate of compliance issued by an authorised testing station (these are listed on page 10); vehicles over 5 years need to be tested twice yearly
produce a valid insurance certificate
MOT
V5 Vehicle Registration Certificate
cost of £300

To apply for a Private Hire Licence you will need:

a suitable vehicle that is less than 9 years on initial registration
to complete an application form
to obtain a back plate from the licensing team which will be affixed to the outside of the rear of the car, showing the vehicle details
to obtain and display two crests issued by the Council showing the number of the Licence on both sides of the vehicle
to obtain and display two 'pre-booked' stickers issued by the Council
a certificate of compliance issued by an authorised testing station (these are listed on page 13). Vehicles over 5 years need to be tested twice yearly
to obtain a back plate from the licensing team which will be affixed to the outside of the rear of the car, showing the vehicle details
produce a valid insurance certificate
MOT
V5 Vehicle Registration Certificate
Cost of £300
an Operator's Licence - all persons who accept private hire bookings by telephone will also require an Operator's Licence - therefore, unless a person intends to operate through an operator that is already licensed, new private hire operators will require a Licence

The complete vehicle specifications for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicles are listed in the Council's Taxi licensing policy. Further information can be provided from either the Licensing Team or any authorised testing station.

To apply for an operator's Licence you will need: