Taxi Vehicle (Hackney carriage) Licence

How we provide this service

How to apply for a Taxi Vehicle (Hackney carriage) Licence is supported by Community & Neighbourhood Services, Food Safety & Licensing.

A licence is required before vehicle can be used as a hackney carriage (taxi).

'Hackney carriage' is more commonly called a taxi. In South Holland most vehicles are normally saloons, estates, people carriers or mini-buses with up to 8 seats.

These vehicles carry a roof light, a large yellow licence plate on the back of the vehicle and a small yellow licence plate is affixed inside the windscreen. The licence plate shows how many passengers the vehicle is able to legally carry. They carry a fare chart and a set of byelaws issued by the Council. Hackney carriages are allowed to pick up customers from taxi ranks and can also stop for customers who flag them down in the street.

A copy of standard conditions (PDF) attached to licences is available here to download.

What to do to get this service

Before a vehicle is licensed it must pass a Certificate of Compliance (the equivalent to an MOT) to ensure its safety. We issue licences for Hackney Carriage vehicles and ensure that the vehicles are suitable and adequately insured to ensure high standards of safety. All vehicles have a compliance test twice a year which include the normal MOT as well as a check on the overall condition of the vehicle inside and out.

You can download an application form (PDF) here to complete.

The following documents can be brought into the Council Offices, Customer Services will check off the documents, seal them into a secure bag and give you a receipt.

- Completed application form and correct fee
- Certificate of compliance
- Vehicle Registration document
- Vehicle insurance for public hire

Applications will not be accepted without production of the above.

How much will it cost?

- Hackney Carriage Vehicles Licence (New) - £185.00 (plus plate deposit)
- Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licence(Renewal) - £175.00
- Private Hire Vehicle Licence (New) - £160.00 (plus plate deposit)
- Private Hire Vehicle Licence (Renewal) - £150.00
- Private Hire Operators Licence - £80.00
- Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Drivers Licence:
1st year of application for licence - £80.00 + £36.00 for Criminal Records Bureau Check (The figure of £36.00 is set by the CRB)
2nd and 3rd year of licence - £80.00
- Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Plate Deposit - £50.00
- Replacement Badges and change of name/address - £15.00
- Hackney Carriage Vehicle Transfer - £63.00
- Private Hire Vehicle Transfer - £55.00
- Transfer, variation, extension of all other licences where discretion allows - £63.00

How long will the whole process take?

Once a complete application is received, we aim to issue a licence within 3 working days.

We look forward to receiving your application, if you have any difficulty with any of the forms or have any questions, please contact us.

Common Questions

Q. Do I need an operators licence to run a taxi company?

A. No, you are only required to hold an operators licence if you run a private hire company.

Q. How can I get a Certificate of Compliance for my vehicle?

A. You will be required to make an appointment at our Contracted Garage so your vehicle can be tested. The vehicle will be required to have a certificate of compliance every 6 months.

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Contact Details

If you have any queries about the information provided above, or require further information, please contact Customer Services on 01775 761161 or email info@sholland.gov.uk.

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