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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) [31KB] (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
  • a fee of £180 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.

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) [77KB] (opens new window) .

To apply for an executive private hire licence please complete the  executive vehicle application form (PDF) [417KB] (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 complete and return the taxi and private hire application form (PDF) [126KB] (opens new window) .   

The following documents can be brought into the Council Offices, Customer Services will check off the documents, seal them into a secure bag and give you a receipt.

The following supporting documents can be brought into the Council Offices (address below) with your application. Customer services will then check the documents, seal them into a secure bag and give you a receipt. You can also post or email the application and documents to licensing@sholland.gov.uk.

Private hire vehicle conditions (PDF) [18KB] (opens new window)  are attached to the licence.

Please note that applications will not be accepted without the above supporting documents being produced.

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

You may want to licence your vehicle as a Hackney Carriage vehicle. Use our hackney carriage and private hire vehicle checker for more information. 

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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