Toggle menu
  1. You are here:
  2. South Holland District Council
  3. /
  4. Business
  5. /
  6. Licensing
  7. /
  8. Taxi Licensing
  9. /
  10. Hackney Carriage Vehicle

Hackney Carriage Vehicle

A Hackney Carriage Vehicle can be hired from a taxi rank, hailed in the street or can be pre-booked.

Some of our requirements to consider before licensing your vehicle as a Hackney Carriage are:

  • once a vehicle is licensed as a Hackney Carriage Vehicle it can only be driven by a driver licensed by South Holland District Council
  • you are unable to drive a South Holland District Council licensed Hackney Carriage Vehicle unless you are licensed as a driver by South Holland District Council
  • our become a taxi driver page explains how you can drive both a Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle
  • your vehicle insurance must include cover for Hackney Carriage Vehicles
  • the vehicle must be suitable for licensing as a Hackney Carriage Vehicle
  • the vehicle must have at least four seats
  • the vehicle must have a fire extinguisher on board
  • the vehicle cannot have a roof or boot rack installed
  • the vehicle must be wheelchair accessible
  • the vehicle must be less than five years old
  • the vehicle must display a 'SHDC taxi' top light and have a fare meter installed
  • the vehicle must be tested at one of our approved garages and have a current Certificate of Compliance
  • the vehicle must have a valid Certificate of Insurance which must include the words 'public hire' or 'hackney carriage'
  • a fee of £206 is payable, as detailed on the application form. Please be advised for any applications completed paying by cheque is discouraged as this will delay the process.

It is illegal for a driver to refuse to carry a guide or assistance dog unless the driver has a medical exemption certificate issued by the Council.  Drivers that refuse to carry a guide or assistance dog and do not have an exemption certificate could face a fine of up to £1000 following a conviction at the Magistrates Court.

All Hackney Carriages, Private Hire Vehicles and Operator's Booking Offices are required to be smoke-free, please read our information and guidance on smoke free environments (PDF) [31KB] (opens new window) .

Hackney Carriage vehicle conditions (PDF) [18KB] (opens new window) are attached to Hackney Carriage Vehicle licences.

Apply to licence a Hackney Carriage vehicle

If you are happy to licence the vehicle as a Hackney Carriage, please complete and return the Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle licence application form (PDF) [126KB] (opens new window) .

  • Completed application form and correct fee
  • Certificate of compliance
  • Vehicle Registration document
  • Vehicle insurance for public hire

Applications will not be accepted without production of the above. You can return your application and above noted supporting documents to us by emailing them to licensing@sholland.gov.uk, or by posting them to us at the following address:

South Holland District Council
Council Offices
Licensing Team
Priory Road
Spalding
PE11 2XE

See our Private Hire Vehicle page if you want to licence your vehicle as a private hire vehicle. If you're unsure, you should see our what is the difference between a Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle? page.

If you require further information or are unsure if you need a licence, please contact us on 01775 761161 or email licensing@sholland.gov.uk.

Also in this Section