Hackney Carriage Vehicle policy

The inspection is to determine that the vehicle is in roadworthy condition and meets the standards required by the Borough Council to be a licensed vehicle; in accordance with national best practice and the requirements contained in this handbook. [see Appendix V]

No vehicle shall be first licensed or re-licensed unless the vehicle has passed the vehicle inspection at one of the Borough Council's approved testing stations. All Hackney Carriage & Private Hire vehicles after 5 years (date as shown on DVLA V5 registration document) shall have a vehicle compliance test at an approved Vehicle Testing Station every 6 months.

The Borough Council will not grant/renew a vehicle licence unless the person examining it (on behalf of the Borough Council) has confirmed that it meets the standards specified in this Handbook and, at the same time, the vehicle has been certified roadworthy to MOT standard and has a current MOT certificate.

Costs of such testing is payable by the person wishing to licence the vehicle. In addition the history of the vehicle may be taken into consideration when determining whether the vehicle should be licensed.

The 6 monthly compliance test certificate required for vehicles over 5 years old (see above) must be produced to the Borough Council within 7 days of the date of the test. Tests can be carried out by an approved testing station up to one calendar month before the 6 monthly point of the licence.

A vehicle which fails an inspection or safety check during the currency of a licence with the Borough Council will have the fault(s) rectified and the vehicle re-inspected at the same testing station within 2 months of the original inspection - failure to do so will lead to the automatic revocation of the vehicle licence.

A vehicle may be inspected by an authorised officer of the Borough Council or a Police Officer, at any reasonable time. If the person inspecting the vehicle is not satisfied as to the fitness of the vehicle he may give written notice to the proprietor/Operator to make the vehicle available for further inspection and testing at such reasonable time and place as may be specified and the vehicle licence may be suspended until the authorised officer or police officer is so satisfied. If the authorised officer or police officer is not satisfied within two months of the initial inspection the Vehicle licence shall be deemed revoked. An authorised officer or police officer may permit other persons to examine the vehicle on their behalf (e.g. DVSA).

The vehicle must be inspected and a satisfactory report issued by the Borough Councils appointed testing agent within one month preceding the application for a vehicle licence or renewal of a vehicle licence.

The requirement for Inspection applies to all vehicles, including those newly registered.

All vehicles being presented for testing at the approved Borough Council testing station shall be in clean condition to allow the tester to inspect the vehicle. The tester may refuse to test a vehicle that does not conform to this requirement.