Vehicle specification requirements before you apply for a new vehicle licence
To use a vehicle as a hackney cab or private hire vehicle it must meet the following criteria:
- be under four years old from first date of registration
- any vehicle built to the Metropolitan Carriage Office Specifications must be under six years old from first date of registration (only applicable to hackney cabs, as these vehicles will not be licensed as private hire vehicles)
- provide at least two doors for passengers to use and a separate door for the driver
- big enough for the number of passengers the vehicle will be licensed to carry (four to eight)
- the width of the rear seat must be no less than 48 inches clear of any obstruction such as handles and arm rests
- the steering wheel should be on the off-side of the vehicle
- vehicle light transmission levels must meet or exceed the minimum legal levels
- passengers must be able to get in and out of the side of the vehicle without having to climb over seats or luggage
- must have a fire extinguisher no older than 5 years from date of manufacture
- windows must be clear of stickers, with the exception of 'no smoking' signs
- must not be a Category S insurance write-off
Additional requirements for hackney cabs
A hackney cab must also have:
- a roof light
- taximeter
Vehicle checks by a licensing officer
If your vehicle meets these specifications, a licensing officer will need to inspect it before you can apply. You can also use this form to book an overage inspection or a damage inspection.
You will need to:
- log into your MyAccount (or create an account if you don't already have one) to complete the form.
Book a taxi vehicle inspection
Vehicle checks at the garage
When the licensing officer recommends that the vehicle is satisfactory, the garage must test the vehicle as well.
You will need to make an appointment with either:
- Cheriton Motor House, 01303 275795 or
- Fairways Garage 01303 872121
If your vehicle passes the test, the garage will give you a certificate of compliance, which you must include in your licence application.