New non-standard private hire vehicle licence

We licence private hire vehicles under legislation which previously exempted certain categories of drivers and vehicles from the need to be licensed if they conducted their business by having hire contracts of not less than seven days.

The Act changed in January 2008. Now drivers, vehicles and operators of executive hire, chauffeur services, park and ride for private car parks, airport travel, stretch limousines and 'novelty' vehicles should be licensed with us as non standard private hire vehicles (PHV) or private hire limousine vehicles.

Non standard PHV are usually saloon or multi purpose vehicles (MPV) petrol, diesel or LPG fuelled and carry a maximum 8 passengers. The vehicle must be pre-booked with an operator and driven by a PH driver licensed by us.

Non standard PHV can apply for exemption from the standard PHV conditions, however they must display approved id stickers in the front and rear windows of the vehicle and are subject to full inspection at our Gorton test centre before a licence is issued.

If you have any enquiries before purchasing a vehicle and submitting your application relating to vehicle specification, colour, age or seating arrangements, please contact the test centre directly on 0161 856 2047, 2048, 2047, 2045 or 1860.

Vehicle applications - Private hire vehicles

These fees do not include the cost of vehicle tests and any plates, stickers, other consumables or notice fees.

New application

• Current fee £148

Renewal application

• Current fee £144

Variation (replacement) and renewal application

• Current fee £162

Beyond the age application (charged in addition to the renewal application fee)

• Current fee £77

Vehicle test fees - charged in addition to the above application fees

• Vehicle is less than 3 years old - compliance tests one per year £60
• Vehicle is 3 years old and up to 8 years old - compliance tests two per year £120
• Vehicle is 8 years and over - compliance tests three per year £180

• Application form
• Guidance notes
• Vehicle Inspection Manual
• Age and Emissions Policy

Please note: Hackney carriage and Private hire vehicles are exempt from a MoT. If you require a certificate of exemption please visit the government website to obtain a V112.

• a statutory declaration for each applicant (if a limited company a statutory declaration is needed for each director and company secretary); 
• one recent colour passport photograph (no sunglasses or hat) with your full name and date of birth on the reverse; 
• if a partnership or limited company full details of all key persons must be provided; 
• a copy of planning permission for the base address; and
• business plan certificate.

We aim to process your application within 10 working days of receiving the application and all supporting documentation.