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Private hire vehicle licence

The Council does not limit the number of private hire vehicles that are licensed. To licence a vehicle for private hire use it must be of suitable size, type and design and must comply with various council standards and criteria listed in the policies below. 

In particular, please read; 


To get a Private Hire vehicle licence you can complete our online application form.

The form asks for details of the vehicle and the proprietor.

As part of the application you will need to upload the following documentation:

  • registration document or proof of ownership
  • insurance document. This has got to be a certificate of insurance or cover note and not a schedule. If you do not have this yet, you must ensure that you have the appropriate insurance cover to upload it with your application
  • Mechanical Test pass sheet (this will be provided following the vehicle inspection and must be uploaded to your application)
  • make an online payment - you will need to have access to a credit or debit card

New Private Hire Vehicle Application (opens new window)

Renew an existing Private Hire vehicle or Hackney Carriage licence

Guidelines on vehicle mechanical inspections and retest arrangements.

Guidelines on vehicle mechanical inspections

If you are a current Hackney carriage vehicle licence holder and require a test appointment for your vehicle, you can book your appointment online.

Book your vehicle test

If you are unable to attend an appointment you have already made, you can rearrange this up until the day before.

Re-arrange a vehicle test appointment

Once the licensing team have approved your application, they will contact you with details of how to have a licence plate fitted.

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