Main Content Area

Licence - Hackney Carriage - Taxi

The Licensing Team is responsible for the licensing and setting of conditions for hackney carriages, or taxis, as they are commonly known, to ensure that vehicles used are safe and comfortable.

A hackney carriage can be hailed in the street or can work from any of the four taxi ranks in the borough.  They can be identified by a roof light on the top of the vehicle which is linked to a meter inside the vehicle.  The light will be lit when the taxi is available for hire and the light should be extinguished when the meter is brought into operation when the driver is carrying a fare.  They can also be recognised by their yellow door stickers and yellow licence plate displayed on the rear of the vehicle.

FAQs

Are there any restrictions on the type of car I can use as a taxi?

The vehicle must be less than 4 years old at first licensing and can be licensed until it is 10 years old.  The vehicle must have at least 4 doors and be right hand drive.  It must be able to carry at least 4 passengers and not more than 8, in addition to the driver.  It must be of adequate size and design, i.e. a normal family saloon type car.

Will the vehicle be tested or will my normal MOT be sufficient?

The vehicle will need to be tested to at least MOT standards by the Council's approved vehicle examiner before a licence is issued.

Do I need to get special insurance cover?

The vehicle must be insured for hire and reward purposes for hackney carriage use.  You must also ensure that cover is available for any other licensed taxi drivers to allow you to employ them, if applicable.

How long is a vehicle licence valid for?

The maximum period is one year.

How much does it cost?

The current cost of a licence £150 plus £25 refundable deposit for the licence plates for new applications and £150 for renewal applications.