Apply to change a Private Hire vehicle

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. If you are unsure if the vehicle is suitable for licensing, please download The Current Vehicle Testing Scheme

Booking a vehicle test

Before completing a vehicle change, 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 an email confirmation which will include a unique application reference number. Please check your email junk folder.

Vehicle registration change

If you need to change the vehicle licence and plate due to purchasing a private registration, you will need to complete the application form below, selecting vehicle registration change.

Completing your application

Once your test is booked and you have received your reference, you should complete the Change of Vehicle online form below immediately.

Apply for a change of vehicle


 
When completing this form, you must:

  • Upload valid appropriate Private Hire and Reward Insurance for the vehicle
  • Upload the V5C Vehicle Registration Document (pages 1 and 2) or formal bill of sale for the replacement vehicle

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 
 
Once your application and documents are verified, you will be sent an email containing a link to pay the required fee.

Receiving the new licence and Plates

  • If you have completed your online application form, including all relevant documents before your test as requested in your test booking confirmation email, you will, if your vehicle passes, your uploaded documents have been verified and payment received, 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.

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