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Private hire vehicle licence

Prior to applying for a licence, we strongly recommend that all applicants refer to the relevant legislation, conditions and policies adopted by Chichester District Council (the 'council').  Please see Hackney carriage (taxi) and private hire licensing - legislation, conditions and policy for further details. Some of the key requirements are as follows: to provide and maintain a fire extinguisher; first aid kit; warning triangle; no smoking signs, as well as, reflective vests for the driver and the maximum number of passengers the vehicle can carry.

Application Form T10A (v2) - New Private Hire Vehicle Licence (Word doc, 40 KB)

Enquiry Letter (TX14) (v3) - Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Vehicle (Word doc, 62 KB)

In addition, all applicants for a private hire vehicle licence must ensure that the vehicle satisfies the following requirements:

Age Policy/European Emission Standard

Vehicles must be no more than ten (10) years old from Date of First Registration (regardless of whether or not previously a vehicle has been Licensed by any Licensing Authority).  This means that a vehicle will only be eligible to be Licensed until it is a maximum of nine (9) full calendar years old from the Date of First Registration, this to allow for it being Licensed for the one ensuing year before its 10th anniversary from Date of First Registration: At the end of that year, no longer will it be eligible to be Licensed.  Additionally, at the date of Application, all vehicles must comply with the current or immediately preceding Euro emissions standard (or any subsequent standard replacing it). Please see the web page HPI Euro Emission Checker (opens new window) to check the Euro emissions standard of any vehicle. 

Book a taxi or private hire vehicle MOT, meter or fitness test

All vehicles require an MOT or fitness test if the following criteria is met:

  • A fitness test is required if a vehicle is within 12 calendar months from the date of its first registration.
  • An MOT and fitness test is required every 12 months, if a vehicle is 12 calendar months to 36 calendar months from the date of its first registration.
  • An MOT and fitness tests is required every 6 calendar months if the vehicle is over 36 calendar months from the date of its first registration.

The council provides a straightforward and impartial inspection service. We do not undertake repairs or servicing but will advise you of any work needed to bring your vehicle up to the necessary legal standard.

Please read our MOT, taxi and private hire vehicle tests - terms and conditions.

Book an MOT, taxi meter or fitness test

Certificate of insurance

A Certificate of Insurance will need to be obtained and provided upon application evidencing that the vehicle is insured for 'hire and reward'.

V5 Registration Document or V5C/2 slip

The Driving & Vehicle Licensing Agency V5 Registration Document. If this is not available due to the vehicle being recently purchased, please provide a copy of the V5C/2 slip that confirms the details of the new registered keeper and date of first registration.

Multiple Person Vehicle (MPV)

If you are proposing to licence a MPV please check the seating layout first, as a licence can only be issued for the number of seats that allow clear access and egress from the side doors without needing to fold or move a seat whilst entering or exiting the vehicle. This means that many 7 seater vehicles will only be licensed for 5 passengers.

Exempted vehicles

If you wish to use a private hire vehicle solely for chauffeur or executive work, then an exemption can be applied for under Section 75(3) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 which permits the Council to remove the requirement for the standard licence plate and door signs to be displayed on the vehicle. For further advice regarding this exemption please contact the Licensing Team.

Door signs

It is a requirement of the private hire vehicle conditions for 2 'Pre-booked Only' door signs to be displayed on the vehicle, unless the exemption referred to above is being applied for. Please see Taxi Licensing Fees as there is an additional fee for the production of the adhesive door signs.

Guidance which includes instructions on how to install adhesive vinyl door signs is provided below.

Guidelines for application of vinyl adhesive door signs (Word doc, 163 KB)

Renew a private hire vehicle licence

A Hackney Carriage and/or Private Hire Vehicle Licence lasts for 1 year. You will receive a reminder letter approx. 6 weeks prior to the date the licence is due to expire. If you wish to renew the licence, then you must do so by the required time, otherwise the licence(s) will lapse and you will immediately have to cease providing the vehicle as a Hackney Carriage/Private Hire vehicle until such time that a new application has been made and a licence granted.

Please remember that with regards to a new application, it would be a requirement that the vehicle meets the Euro 5 or higher emission standard. Therefore if your vehicle does not meet this standard, it would not be re-licensed. Furthermore, if the renewal application is submitted less than 5 working days prior to the date of expiry, then this Licensing Authority (the 'Authority') may not be able to process the application and re-issue the licence(s) and badge(s) before the expiry of the existing badge(s). It is therefore strongly recommended that a renewal application is submitted at the earliest opportunity.

If you do not wish to renew the licence(s), please ensure that the current badge(s) are returned to this Authority within 7 days of the date of expiry.

If you wish to renew your vehicle licence then please complete the T10C application form having read the renewal letter TX16. 

Renewal Letter (TX16) - Vehicle Licence (Word doc, 78 KB)

Application Form T10C (v4) - Renewal of Private Hire Vehicle Licence (Word doc, 39 KB)

 

 

MOT and fitness tests

All vehicles require a 'Certificate of Fitness' for the vehicle, and this must be provided upon application. This must be obtained from Chichester Contract Services (CCS) based at the Depot in Westhampnett within 5 working days of the MOT. The Certificate of Fitness is based upon the 'National Inspection Standards' produced by the Public Authority Transport Network.

All vehicles are required to be presented for MOT and Fitness Testing in accordance with the following criteria:

  • Vehicle up to 12 calendar months from Date of First Registration: Fitness Test only required;
  • Vehicle 12 calendar months to 36 calendar months from Date of First Registration: MOT and Fitness Tests required every 12 calendar months;
  • Vehicle over 36 calendar months from Date of First Registration: MOT and Fitness Tests required every 6 calendar months.

Meter test

If the vehicle contains a meter, then it is a requirement that the meter is tested and sealed. This must be undertaken by CCS at the Depot in Westhampnett.

Certificate of insurance

A Certificate of Insurance will need to be obtained and provided upon renewal evidencing that the vehicle is insured for 'hire and reward'.

Name: Westhampnett Depot (Taxi Services)

 

Address:

 

Chichester Contract Services (CCS)
Stane Street
Westhampnett
Chichester
PO18 0NF
United Kingdom

Telephone: +44 01243 785166

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