Licence - Private Hire Vehicles

How we provide this service

Information on a Private Hire Vehicle Licence is supported by Community & Neighbourhood Services, Food Safety & Licensing.

A licence is required before a vehicle can be used for private hire.

In South Holland most vehicles are normally saloons, estates, people carriers or mini-buses with up to 8 seats. They are licensed by the Council and carry a large red licence plate on the back of the vehicle and a smaller red plate inside the windscreen, which states how many passengers the vehicle is licensed for.

These vehicles cannot use the taxi ranks and are not allowed to stop if flagged down in the street. Journeys must be pre-booked normally by phone or in person at a cab office.

A copy of standard conditions 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 it is safe. We issue licences for private hire 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 includes the normal MOT as well as a check on the overall condition of the vehicle inside and out.

You can download an application form for a new licence. Renewals are then sent by us as and when required.

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
• Vehicle Registration documents
• Vehicle insurance for public hire

Applications will not be accepted without production of the above.

How much will it cost?

1) Hackney Carriage Vehicles Licence (New) - £190.00 (plus plate deposit)
2) Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licence(Renewal) - £180.00
3) Private Hire Vehicle Licence (New) - £165.00 (plus plate deposit)
4) Private Hire Vehicle Licence (Renewal) - £155.00
5) Private Hire Operators Licence - £85.00
6) Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Drivers Licence:
1st year of application for licence - £130.00 which includes £36.00 for Criminal Records Bureau Check (The figure of £36.00 is set by the CRB)
2nd and 3rd year of licence - £85.00
7) Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Plate Deposit - £50.00
8) Replacement Badges and change of name/address - £20.00
9) Hackney Carriage Vehicle Transfer - £65.00
10) Private Hire Vehicle Transfer - £60.00

How long will the whole process take?

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

Common Questions

Q. Do I need to hold an operator's licence?
A. Yes, you will be required to hold an operator's licence if you want to licence a private hire vehicle

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.

Q. Do I need to have a meter fitted in my private hire vehicle?
A. No, but you can if you decide to charge up to the maximum fees set by the council, otherwise you will be required to submit a set of the fees that you wish to charge.

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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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