Vehicles and modifications
Types of vehicle you can licence
Vehicles intended to be used for private hire purposes can be any colour (one colour) must:
- Be less than 10 years old (see log book for date of registration) or less than 15 years old if they are a wheelchair accessible vehicle. The ages quoted are the maximum age a licence will be issued to; they will come off when they reach 10 or 15 years.
- Be a four door saloon, 5 door hatchback or estate with right-hand drive and have no more than 8 passenger seats.
- Can be petrol, diesel, hybrid, fully electric or LPG.
If you have any enquiries concerning vehicle specification or seating arrangements, please contact us before submitting an application. Seats will only be included as being suitable for a passenger if they are accessible without the need to tip a seat.
LPG fuel vehicles
If the vehicle has a factory-fitted LPG fuel system, you must provide evidence that this is factory-fitted at the time of application.
If the vehicle has undergone an LPG conversion, you will need to provide the following, as well as that requested on the application form:
- Provide the original LPG Conversion Certificate.
- Provide valid insurance, acknowledging the LPG conversion.
- Satisfy the Council’s storage space requirements (as part of vehicle inspection).
The City Council reserve the right to weigh the vehicle in order to determine the number of passengers it can safely be licensed for.
The LPG Conversion Certificate must be provided with each renewal application and at every vehicle inspection.
Tinted windows
Vehicles will only be licensed where the following is applicable:
- There is a clear view of the passengers and the light transmission meets the following criteria:
- Front windscreen: transmission - minimum 75% light
- Front side door glass: transmission - minimum 70% light
- Remaining glass (exc. rear window): transmission - minimum 70% light
These transmissions can be measured using Taxi Licensing’s ‘tint meter’ when presented for testing for their initial vehicle application.
You can apply for exemption – see application form for information.
Things you need to keep in your vehicle
- First Aid Kits -The proprietor of a private hire vehicle must provide and maintain, in such a position as to be readily available for use in an emergency, a Travelling First Aid Kit (available from Halfords or other recognised car accessories store).
- Fire Extinguishers - The proprietor of a private hire vehicle must provide an efficient portable multipurpose powder type fire extinguisher. This must bear a Kite Mark and “date of last service” sticker. The extinguisher must be securely mounted and be accessible and available for use (available from Halfords or other recognised car accessories store).