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  10. Private Hire Vehicle

Private Hire Vehicle

A Private Hire Vehicle can only be pre-booked and is not able to be hired from the street or a taxi rank.

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 us. 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 guidance on smoke free environments (PDF, 31 KB)(opens new window).

Some of our requirements to consider when licensing your vehicle as a private hire vehicle are:

  • once a vehicle is licensed as a private hire vehicle it can only be driven by a driver licensed by us
  • you are unable to drive a licensed private hire vehicle, unless you are licensed as a driver by us
  • our become a taxi driver page explains how you are entitled to drive both a Hackney Carriage and private hire vehicle
  • the vehicle:
    • must be suitable for licensing as a private hire vehicle
    • have at least four seats
    • have a fire extinguisher on board
    • cannot have a roof or boot rack installed
    • must be tested at one of our approved garages and have a current Certificate of Compliance
    • must have a valid certificate of insurance which must cover the vehicle for use as a private hire vehicle
    • must be licensed to work under a private hire operator
  • Private hire vehicle conditions (PDF, 18 KB)(opens new window) are attached to the licence.

Executive private hire vehicles

We will licence Executive Private Hire Vehicles which are issued with an internal sticker, rather than a plate, if the vehicle meets the executive private hire vehicle conditions (PDF, 77 KB)(opens new window).

To apply for an executive private hire licence please complete the executive vehicle application form (PDF, 417 KB)(opens new window).

Please note: there is an extra fee of £30 for this type of licence application. Total application fee for executive private hire is £210.

Apply for a private hire vehicle licence

If you are happy to licence the vehicle as a private hire vehicle, please submit the following documents:

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, by handing them into the Council Offices reception, or by posting them to us at the following address:

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

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.

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