Private Hire Vehicle Licence
Private Hire Vehicles are required to be licensed to ensure that they are safe and suitable for use by the public.
Private Hire Vehicles can only be pre-booked with the Private Hire Operator and a price must be agreed at the time of the booking.
The Council operates a strict age restriction policy (see Age Restriction Policy) and, subject to certain exceptions, a vehicle will not be licensed if it is more than five years of age. However, once the vehicle is licensed, it can remain licensed until it reaches no more than eight years of age.
A licence is issued for 12 months, and vehicles over three years of age, are required to undergo twice yearly mechanical tests (fee of £35 payable to Go Plant Fleet Services at the time of the test).
Before a licence can be issued you must book an appointment for a taxi test at:
Go Plant Fleet Services, Whitehaven Commercial Park, Moresby Parks, Whitehaven by calling 01946 517600.
Please take the completed application form, vehicle registration document (V5)/Bill of Sale, valid MOT certificate (if applicable) and any other appropriate certificates relating to the vehicle that may be required, to the test appointment.
Once the vehicle has passed the taxi test you must then call the Licensing Team on 01946 598519/598517 to make an appointment to submit your application form, pass certificate and all relevant documents, including the payment.
Appointment times are on Tuesday mornings only and you will not be seen without an appointment.
If the application is satisfactory, the licence will be issued together with a white licence plate, which should be kept affixed to the rear bumper of your vehicle for the duration of the licence.
