Apply for or renew a private hire vehicle licence

• private hire vehicles may only be booked in advance
• they are identified by signs on the side of the vehicle, giving details of their licence number, and a red licence plate on the rear
• vehicles must not be the same colour as a Hackney Carriage, or have a roof sign
• fares should be agreed at the time of booking
• CCTV in licensed vehicles (from April 2023)
• emissions standards for licensed vehicles
• a suitability test for vehicle proprietors
• a transparent policy on executive hires
• the vehicle must be less than 5 years old (from the date of first registration) at the time of initial licensing
• the vehicle must meet the vehicle specification as set out in the Council's Licensing Policy

Licences for PHVs will only be granted to vehicles that meet the requirements. Please read our  updated taxi policy 2021 (PDF) [1MB] before starting your application.

Once the vehicle is licensed as a private hire vehicle, it may only be driven by a driver holding either a private hire drivers licence or a dual Hackney Carriage/private hire driver's licence issued by the council, even when the vehicle is off duty. 

The vehicle must also maintain its appearance as a private hire vehicle, including displaying any signage and plate.

We offer pre-application advice on this licence.

Fees