Apply for a Vehicle Licence
Vehicle Application Criteria:
Do not purchase a vehicle unless you are sure it meets the appropriate criteria. If in doubt, contact the Vehicle Licensing Officer.
INFORMATIVE - All Seating – Both Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicles
The size requirement for all seating is 16” (41cms) per person. The distance for 3 persons of 48” (92cms) should be taken between the arm rests as these can in some cases significantly reduce the width. Further, a height of 34” (87cms) between seat and roof and 7" (18cms) from back of front seat to front of rear seat, (when front seat is fully pushed back), is to be recommended as a minimum for passenger comfort.
Hackney Carriage
All Hackney Carriages must be wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair accessible means the vehicle must be able to transport a passenger in a standard sized wheelchair in safety and secured by the appropriate harnesses.
Hackney Carriage Vehicles:
Maximum age on initial licensing - Less than 9 years
Maximum age to which a vehicle will be allowed operate - 15 years
Hackney Carriage Suitability of Vehicle:
- It is a right hand drive vehicle
- Has a separate luggage compartment
- Is capable of seating in comfort at least four passengers in addition to the driver
- All seats are fitted with seat belts conforming to current British Standards Institute standards or equivalent
- Provide sufficient means by which any person in the vehicle may communicate with the driver
- Cause the roof or cover of the hackney carriage to be watertight
- Provide adequate windows and means of opening and closing them
- Cause the seats to be properly cushioned and covered
- Cause the floor to be covered with a proper carpet, mat or other suitable covering
- It carries within the vehicle a first aid kit for personal use
- It carries a fire extinguisher
- Fitted with a serviceable spare wheel or manufacturer alternative
- The vehicle has a M1 or M1 low volume certificate or a Basic IVA Certificate
- It has at least two passenger doors in the case of London type vehicles and three passenger doors in the case of rear access /people carrier type of vehicles
- Fitted with wheelchair ramps and wheelchair restraining straps
- Any vehicle with a mechanical winch must have an annual inspection by a qualified engineer
- It has at least two passenger doors in the case of London type vehicles and three passenger doors in the case of rear access/people carrier type of vehicles
Private Hire Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles:
Maximum age on initial licensing - 9 Years
Maximum age to which a vehicle will be allowed operate - 15 years
- Fitted with wheelchair ramps and wheelchair restraining straps
- Any vehicle with a mechanical winch must have an annual inspection by a qualified engineer
- If the vehicle is wheelchair accessible either an M1 or M1 low volume certificate or a Basic IVA Certificate
Plus the non-wheelchair accessible vehicle specification referred to under Private Hire Vehicle Suitability
Private Hire Vehicles:
Private Hire - Saloon/Estate Vehicles
Maximum age on initial licensing - Less than 4 years
Maximum age to which a vehicle will be allowed to operate - 8 years
Private Hire – Purpose Built/MPV non-wheelchair /6 Seater+
Maximum age on initial licensing - less than 9 years
Maximum age to which a vehicle will be allowed to operate15 years
Hackney Carriage Suitability of Vehicle:
- It is a right hand drive vehicle
- Has a separate luggage compartment
- Is capable of seating in comfort at least four passengers in addition to the driver
- All seats are fitted with seat belts to the British Standards Institute standards or equivalent
- Provides sufficient means by which any person in the vehicle may communicate with the driver
- Cause the roof or cover of the vehicle to be watertight
- Provides adequate windows and means of opening and closing them
- Cause the seats to be properly cushioned and covered
- Cause the floor to be covered with a proper carpet, mat or other suitable covering
- It carries within the vehicle a first aid kit for personal use
- It carries a fire extinguisher
- Fitted with a serviceable spare wheel or manufacturer alternative
Apply for a Vehicle Licence:
New Applicant:
If the vehicle meets all the criteria detailed in the vehicle application criteria you can apply for you Private Hire or Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licence online.
In order to complete the process you must have your log book, electronic copy of the MOT and Insurance and either a debit or credit card, the form cannot be saved once the process has started.
New Private Hire Vehicle Licence - apply now
New Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licence - apply now
The guidance for licensing a vehicle will assist with completing the application process.
Renewing:
You will have received a code with your renewal letter you can apply for your Private Hire or Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licence online using the correct link above.
In order to complete the process you must have your log book, electronic copy of the MOT and Insurance and either a debit or credit card, the form cannot be saved once the process has started.
Renew Private Hire Vehicle Licence - apply now
Renew Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licence - apply now
The guidance for licensing a vehicle will assist with completing the application process.
What Next:
Once you have completed the form please contact the Licensing Department to make an appointment to have the plate fitted on the vehicle.