Vehicle licences for taxis or private hire vehicles
Eligibility
You must get a licence for each vehicle. The vehicle must have no more than 8 passenger seats.
Inspections and insurance
The licensing authority may check your vehicle to make sure:
- it’s roadworthy
- it’s comfortable and clean
- the taximeter (if it has one) works properly
- the doors are safe and secure
You’ll also need insurance that:
- covers you for public or private taxi hire
- includes you as the named driver
A vehicle licence is usually issued for one year. During this time, the licensing authority can inspect your vehicle up to 3 times.
You must fix any problems within 2 months of failing an inspection.
Requirements and conditions
The licensing authority can attach conditions to vehicle licences. These might include:
- the colour scheme of your vehicle
- the use of roof signs
- use of a taximeter
If you plan to use your vehicle as a private hire vehicle (PHV), your vehicle must also:
- not look like a licensed taxi, for example a London-style ‘black cab’
- display licence discs or plates - although exemptions are sometimes granted
Additional requirements for London
If you plan to work in London, your taxi or PHV must meet the Transport for London (TfL) eligibility requirements.
You must also only display advertising that complies with TfL guidelines.