A private hire vehicle is not a "taxi". The only legal method of operation for a private hire vehicle is to accept pre-booked fares.
Only the holder of a Private Hire Operator's Licence may accept these bookings, never the driver.
The Operator's Licence must be issued by the same Licensing Authority as issued the vehicle licence and the driver licence.
A private hire vehicle can be clearly identified by the following:
A licence plate located at the rear of the vehicle stating:
- The licence number of the vehicle
- The registration number of the vehicle
- The make, model and colour of the vehicle
- The licence expiry date
- The maximum number of passengers to be carried at any one time
AND
A small licence badge at the front of the vehicle (this will be located inside the vehicle) stating the registration number, the licence number and the expiry date of the licence.
Vehicles must comply with all relevant licensing and pre-licensing conditions.
Applicants are strongly advised to contact the Licensing Team by emailing licensing@swdevon.gov.uk to discuss the suitability of your vehicle before making your application.
To submit an application the following documents are required:
- Completed application form
- Fee
- Valid vehicle insurance certificate including cover for hire and reward/public hire
- Proof of public liability insurance cover (original certificate or cover note)
- Vehicle Registration Certificate (V5)
- MOT Certificate (issued within the last 30 days) and interim MOT if renewal application
- A vehicle test certificate in accordance with the FTA testing standards (issued within the last 30 days) and interim FTA inspection certificate if renewal application
- Confirmation of the Vehicle Euro -NCAP Rating. This can be found here.
Once the applicant has all of these documents they will need to complete an application and pay the appropriate fee. If the vehicle is more than 10 years old, they must also make an appointment to attend a vehicle inspection at the Council.
You can download an application form below:
Information on licensing wheelchair accessible vehicles is available here.
Fees
For fees please see the Licensing Fees page.
Documents and Guidance
For more information regarding vehicle licensing requirements, please download the policy and documents below: