Licence - Private Hire Vehicle (Minicab)
Private Hire Vehicles cannot ply for hire in the street or at taxi ranks. Journeys must be pre-booked, normally
by phone or in person at a cab office. Failure to do so is an offence and invalidates the vehicle's insurance cover. Fares
for private hire vehicles are not regulated by the Council - the cost of a journey will normally be based on a rate per mile
or should be agreed with the company before the journey.
Private Hire Vehicles licensed by the Council must display a yellow plate on the rear. Private Hire drivers
must also wear an ID badge issued by the Council, which includes his/her photograph.
There are many different laws affecting proprietors and vehicles but the main Acts of Parliament covering the licensing
of Private Hire Vehicles are contained in Part II of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.
This Act says we cannot limit the number of vehicle licences and must grant a vehicle licence if we are satisfied that:
- Your car is suitable in type, size and design for use as a private hire vehicle (see technical specifications).
- Your car does not look like a taxi.
- Your car is mechanically suitable. The mechanical condition is to be conformed by a detailed inspection undertaken at
the expense of the proprietor by a Council testing station.. The inspection report is to be completed and signed by the fitter
who carried out the inspection and his signature and qualifications are to be authenticated by the addition of the name and
address of the garage by means of business rubber stamp. In the case of a recently acquired vehicle a report from the garage
which sold the car will not be accepted.
- Your car is insured for private hire work.
- Your car is constructed and adapted to seat no more than 8 passengers.
- You are responsible for the keeping and running of the vehicle either solely or in partnership with other persons.
- You have been honest in supplying information to us and must not, under any circumstances, make a false statement at any
time to obtain your vehicle licence. This is a serious offence.
Technical specifications for private hire vehicles
There are many different makes and styles of vehicle on the road today. Not all vehicles would be suitable for use as a
private hire vehicle and the Council has therefore approved certain standards to guide proprietors on the type of vehicle
considered suitable bearing in mind public comfort/safety and the legal requirements previously mentioned.
The specifications we apply to vehicles are as follows:
- That your vehicle is in an immaculate condition both mechanically and cosmetically. Age limit (condition 6 of licensing
conditions - 5 years for cars, eight years for MPV's)
- That your vehicle (if a car) has a minimum of 4 doors giving adequate access and egress from the vehicle. The design of
the car can be saloon, hatchback or estate.
- The car must conatin a first aid kit and have a clean and tidy boot.
- A seat belt notice is to be displayed inside the vehicle.
- The licence number shall be displayed both on the outside and inside of the vehicle on the offcial plates provided.
What information must you provide to us?
- That the proprietor (or company) making the application has an operating base within Blaby District.
- That the proprietor making the application holds a private hire driver's licence issued by this authority.
That you can produce the following documents:
- Vehicle registration document or bill of sale
- Policy or cover note of insurance covering the vehicle for "private use" for you and/or your drivers.
- That your vehicle is mechanically suitable. Your vehicle must pass an inspection carried out by a qualified mechanic at
a Council testing station.
- That the appropriate fee is paid (details on request).
- A completed application form is supplied.
If you require any further information please contact:
Blaby District Council
Administration & Legal Services
Desford Road
Narborough
Leicester
LE19 2EP
Email: licensing@blaby.gov.uk
Telephone: 0116 272 7783
Fax: 0116 272 7596
