Book a full test and apply for the renewal of an existing Private Hire vehicle

Alert!

As of 5 April 2022 it is a legal requirement that all renewal applicants for:
 
  • Scrap Metal Licences
  • Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Drivers
  • Private Hire Operators
 
MUST provide a tax check code to Licensing before renewal if;
 
They are renewing a current or licence that expired more than one year ago.
If a renewal applicant does not have a Government Gateway Account they must go online and create a Government Gateway account. Further guidance can be found on the Gov.uk website.
 
If applying for a new licence or for one held which expired more than 1 year ago applicants need to follow the HMRC Guidance. Visit the Gov.uk website. 
 
Please note that any check code is valid for 120 days only and even if applicants have a code as a driver, if they wish to be an owner or operator they need to provide a further code before being licensed.


The Licensing Service is now prioritising all renewal applications in date of expiry order. This means that although your licence will be renewed on time it will not be processed until a  few days before expiry.  In view of this we request that you refrain from calling or emailing the council requesting an update on your licence renewal unless your licence is due to expire  within the next 48 hours. This is essential as it will allow all Licensing Officers to concentrate on issuing licences to those closest to expiry.

Legal restrictions on issuing a Renewal Private Hire Vehicle Licence

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 see the required standard please download The Current Vehicle Testing Scheme. 

Booking a vehicle test or retest

Before a vehicle is re-licensed it must pass a compliance test at the council's appointed garage. A Taxi/ Private Hire Vehicle Compliance Test can only be booked through Knowsley Council Online Services. 
 
Renewal vehicle licence applications for compliance tests cannot currently be booked more than 28 days before the expiry of the current licence.

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 fee of £45 by card. You will receive an email confirmation which will include a unique application reference number.
You will need this reference number to complete the licensing process.

Completing the Licensing Process

Whilst you are waiting for the test or once the vehicle has passed you will need to upload the following documents to the Council Upload Evidence Portal.

When you have uploaded your documents and we have checked them you then use the online payment portal to pay the fee due (before or after test). You must always quote your unique reference number as shown on the test booking email when you pay the licence fee. If your payment is successful, you and the licensing team will both receive an email confirmation.
 

If you need help with uploading your evidence, watch the video below:

Receiving the renewed licence and Plate

Once payment has been received, licences will be issued as a pdf via email. Your declared Private Hire Operator will also receive a copy of the licence. The licence plate will be posted out to you for display on the vehicle.

If you have not been contacted within 10 working days of submitting a valid application, please email [email protected] quoting your unique reference number.

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.

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