Private hire vehicles
We can legally only issue licences for private hire vehicles if we are completely satisfied that the vehicle is comfortable, safe in design and adequately insured. These legal requirements are set to ensure high standards of safety for the public. To view the required standard please download The Current Vehicle Testing Scheme.
Booking a vehicle test
Before completing a vehicle renewal, you must pass a compliance test at our MOT testing station.
A Taxi Compliance Test can only be booked using the online form.
The test includes all current DVSA vehicle test items plus some additional licensing compliance requirements.
When you book a test, you will be required to pay the relevant fee by card. You will always be charged for missed appointments. Expenses incurred in submitting a vehicle for test where the vehicle is found unfit, will not be refunded under any circumstances.
You will receive a booking email confirmation which will include a unique application reference number. Please check your email junk folder.
Completing your application
Once your test is booked and you have received your reference, you should complete the Renew vehicle online form below immediately.
Renew an existing vehicle
When completing this form, you must:
- Upload valid appropriate Public Hire and Reward Insurance for the vehicle.
- Upload the V5C Vehicle Registration Document (pages 1 and 2) or formal bill of sale
- Pay the required fee.
Providing further documents after submitting your application
If you need to provide further evidence in support of your application, please submit using the Upload Evidence Facility
Receiving the renewed licence and plate
If you have completed your online application form, including all relevant documents, prior to your test as requested in your test booking confirmation email, you will, if your vehicle passes and your uploaded documents have been verified, be able to collect your plates on the same day from Stretton Way Reception.
If you do not complete your online application before the date of your test, or your documents are not accepted, you will, once your documents have been verified, receive an email confirming the location and times that your plates will be available for collection.
All licence documents will be issued as a pdf via email. Your declared private hire operator, if they accept via email, will also receive a copy of the licence. The licence plates are the only items that will be printed and made available for collection.
If you have not been contacted within 48 hours of your licence expiring, please contact 0151 443 2300