Vehicle requirements

Only vehicles that comply with the following conditions will be licensed as hackney carriages or private hire vehicles:

Private hire vehicles

• Vehicles must be fitted with at least four doors and four wheels.
• Vehicles must be right-hand drive (with the exception of limousines).
• Vehicles must have adequate space for luggage.
• Vehicles must be capable of carrying at least four passengers and not more than eight. Applicants who wish to licence vehicles for more than eight passengers will have to apply for a PSV licence.
• All passengers must have easy access to an exit from the vehicle. Vehicles that require a seat to be moved or tipped to facilitate exit may not be permitted on the grounds of safety. If you are thinking about licensing this type of vehicle, please contact us for a pre-test inspection.
• Vehicles must carry a spare wheel or space saver kit.
• We will not licence the following vehicle types as a private hire vehicle:
  • An LTI (London Taxi International) type vehicle
  • A Metrocab vehicle
• The vehicle's rear seats must have a combined length of 48 inches, which is measured in a straight line lengthways along the front end of the seat.
• Interior lighting must be provided.

Vehicles that have had a bi-fuel or LPG conversion will be allowed as long as a conversion certificate from an approved installer can be provided.

Please read the private hire vehicle conditions (PDF) [567KB] for further information on the minimum specifications that are required for a vehicle to be licensed.

Hackney carriage vehicles

• Vehicles must be fitted with at least four doors and four wheels.
• Vehicles must be right-hand drive.
• Vehicles must have adequate space for luggage.
• Vehicles must be capable of carrying at least four passengers and not more than eight. Applicants who wish to licence vehicles for more than eight passengers will have to apply for a PSV licence.
• Vehicles must have a 'perspex partition screen' fitted separating the driver from the customers in the rear of the vehicle.
• All hackney carriage vehicles must be public carriage office approved and designed to provide access and secure carriage of wheelchair-using passengers.
• Interior lighting must be provided.
• An illuminated roof sign displaying the word 'TAXI' must be fitted to the roof of the vehicle in such as position that it is clearly visible from the front of the vehicle by day and night.
• Where sliding doors are fitted there must be an illuminated sign bearing the words "Door Open" clearly visible from the rear of the vehicle. This sign must be automatically linked to the passenger doors in order that when either door handle is activated to open the door, the sign is illuminated. There must also be a sign within the passenger compartment, clearly visible to all passengers, giving instructions on the correct operation of the passenger door.

Please read the hackney carriage vehicle conditions (PDF) [470KB] for further information on the minimum specifications that are required for a vehicle to be licensed.

Tinted windows on licensed vehicles

All windows must be secure and free from cracks, damage, or other defects.

The front windscreen and front passenger windows must let at least 75% of light through. All vehicles will be inspected prior to licensing to ensure that the front windscreen and front passenger windows meet this standard. Windows will be measured with the our tint meter but you may be asked to provide proof from the manufacturer.

Film or spray which may alter the characteristics or appearance of the windows will not be permitted.

Age restrictions

There are currently no age restrictions in place; however, vehicles should be kept in good working order, along with bodywork and the cleanliness of the vehicle (inside and out).

Colour restrictions

There are currently no colour restrictions in place for vehicles.