Vehicle licences for taxis or private hire vehicles

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1. Overview

If your vehicle is being used as a taxi or private hire vehicle (PHV) you need to get it licensed.

You can be prosecuted if you drive a vehicle as a taxi or PHV without a vehicle licence.

A PHV can only be pre-booked. Taxis can also be hired at a rank or hailed in the street.

Your vehicle must be licensed by the same authority who issued the taxi or PHV driver licence. This is either:

  • your local council if the vehicle will be used outside of London
  • Transport for London (TfL) if the vehicle will be used in London

There is a different process for and licences in Scotland.

2. Eligibility

You must get a licence for each vehicle. The vehicle must have no more than 8 passenger seats.

Inspections and insurance

The licensing authority may check your vehicle to make sure:

  • it鈥檚 roadworthy
  • it鈥檚 comfortable and clean
  • the taximeter (if it has one) works properly
  • the doors are safe and secure

You鈥檒l also need insurance that:

  • covers you for public or private taxi hire
  • includes you as the named driver

A vehicle licence is usually issued for one year. During this time, the licensing authority can inspect your vehicle up to 3 times.

You must fix any problems within 2 months of failing an inspection.

Requirements and conditions

The licensing authority can attach conditions to vehicle licences. These might include:

  • the colour scheme of your vehicle
  • the use of roof signs
  • use of a taximeter

If you plan to use your vehicle as a private hire vehicle (PHV), your vehicle must also:

  • not look like a licensed taxi, for example a London-style 鈥榖lack cab鈥�
  • display licence discs or plates - although exemptions are sometimes granted

Additional requirements for London

If you plan to work in London, your taxi or PHV must meet the .

You must also only display advertising that complies with .

3. Apply

Apply to the licensing authority where you plan to work.

If it鈥檚 outside of London, contact your local council.

In London, there are different ways to:

  • apply for a
  • apply for a

If your application is refused

The licensing authority can refuse your application if:

  • your vehicle does not meet certain criteria
  • you do not accept conditions it gives you
  • it wants to control the number of taxis in the area

When the licensing authority makes its decision it will explain your right to appeal if:

  • your application for a vehicle licence has been refused
  • the licensing authority has suspended, revoked or refused to renew a vehicle licence

You can appeal to a crown court about a taxi licence decision or to a magistrates鈥� court about a private hire vehicle decision. You might need legal advice.

Renew your licence

Ask the licensing authority how to renew your vehicle licence.

You can be prosecuted if you use a vehicle as a taxi or PHV after the vehicle licence has expired.