Hackney carriage vehicle licence

Last Updated: 6 December 2024

How to apply

New vehicles should be less than five years old and less than seven years old if wheelchair accessible. Please refer to the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Policy.

If you would like to apply for a hackney carriage vehicle licence you should fill in the:

• hackney carriage vehicle licence application form (PDF 244KB / 6 pages)
• proprietorship requisition form (PDF 293KB / 1 page)
• plate order form (DOC 70 KB / 1 page)
• meter calibration form (PDF  758KB / 2 pages)

Return your completed application along with the following documentation:

• MOT certificate and vehicle inspection sheet, the vehicle should be tested at one of the approved garages listed on the application form (these must be dated within 28 days of us receiving the application)
• valid insurance certificate/cover note
• V5 document/new keepers part/proof of purchase
• meter calibration form (the meter should be calibrated by one of the approved garages on meter form)

The application should also be submitted with the relevant fee:

• new hackney carriage vehicle (up to three years old, one year licence): £166.00
• new hackney carriage vehicle (over three years old, one year licence):  £185.77
• full set of plates: £24.13

Hackney carriage maximum fares 

From 7am to 11pm (Normal fare)

If the distance does not exceed 1609 metres (one mile) for the whole distance = £4.20

For each subsequent 161 metres (1/10 mile) or uncompleted part = £0.30

Waiting time - for each one minute = £0.30

For hirings begun between 11pm and 7am

If the distance does not exceed 1609 metres (one mile) for the whole distance = £6.30

For each subsequent 161 metres (1/10 mile) or uncompleted part = £0.40

Waiting time - for each one minute = £0.50

For hirings on all Bank Holidays, Christmas Eve and New Years Eve from 19:00hrs 

If the distance does not exceed 1609 metres (one mile) for the whole distance = £8.40

For each subsequent 161 metres (1/10 mile) or uncompleted part = £0.60

Waiting time - for each one minute = £0.70

Additional charges

Soiling charge = £100 maximum.

Payment of estimated fare may be required prior to the journey.

Extra charge of £0.70 per person over 2 people (or 2 children under the age of 11).

Vehicle inspection

Hackney carriage vehicle inspection report guidelines

How to renew your hackney carriage vehicle licence

If you would like to renew a hackney carriage vehicle licence you should fill in the:

• hackney carriage vehicle licence application form (PDF 244KB / 6 pages)
• proprietorship requisition form (PDF 293KB / 1 page)
• plate order form (DOC 70 KB / 1 page)

Return your completed application along with the following documentation:

• MOT certificate and vehicle inspection sheet, the vehicle should be tested at one of the approved garages listed on the application form (these must be dated within 28 days of us receiving the application)
• valid insurance certificate/cover note
• V5 document

The application should also be submitted with the relevant fee:

• renewal hackney carriage vehicle (up to three years old, one year licence): £141.00
• renewal hackney carriage vehicle (over three years old, one year licence):  £162.84
• renewal hackney carriage vehicle (over eight years old, one year licence): £224.00
• full set of plates: £24.13