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Private hire vehicles

A private hire vehicle must be pre-booked through a licensed private hire operator office before a member of the public can use it for a journey.

These vehicles may not apply for hire from a rank or be flagged down in the street.

The guidance notes below set out the pre-licensing requirements for private hire vehicles and describe the process involved. As a wide range of vehicles may be licensed for private hire, some are wheelchair accessible and some are not.

Amendment to vehicle age policy 

With effect from 20 July 2024 we have amended the age restrictions for licensed vehicles.

•   The entry age for licensed vehicles has increased from five years to nine years, provided that the vehicle meets the Euro 6 emissions standards.
•   The renewal age for licensed vehicles has increased from eleven years to fifteen years.
•   Vehicles over the age of eleven will now require three planned mid-term inspections per year (every four months), ensuring high safety standards.
•   Vehicles under the age of three will have their planned inspections reduced from two per year to one per year.
•   Vehicles aged between three and eleven will require a mandatory inspection at six months.

Private hire operators

All private hire vehicles must be operated from an official private hire office licensed by us. Planning permission may be required for new operators' offices - contact our planning department for more information.

The application form for a private hire operator's licence is available below, together with the guidance notes.

Apply for a taxi operator licence

You can apply for a taxi operator licence using the quick link at the top of this page.

Vehicle licences

You can apply to renew your hackney carriage or private hire vehicle licence online by using the form at the top of this page. This form can also be used for new vehicles. You will need to sign up for an account and then select the form on the list of forms available. You will need to upload copies of your MOT, Vehicle Inspection Sheet, Insurance and V5 Logbook. You will then be directed to make a payment.

Once received the Licensing Team will process your application and your licence will be emailed to you. Your plate will then be posted directly to you from our supplier once the order has been sent to them to process – this may take time to come through to you so please be patient.

Six month inspection

You can also book your six month test online at: Book your test online.

The inspection must be carried out no earlier than 14 days before the due date, and no later than the due date.

Change of vehicle/transfer of vehicle licence

If you need a change of ownership or change of vehicle, do not use this form please email [email protected] for more advice.