A licensed taxi or private hire car has to be young enough, mechanically sound and plated by the council before it can carry fares. Under Cannock Chase's June 2024 policy a standard vehicle (not a purpose-built wheelchair-accessible or electric or hybrid one) new to licensing may be no more than 42 months old, a purpose-built wheelchair-accessible vehicle up to seven years old, and the licence normally runs for twelve months. Once a vehicle passes its sixth birthday, it must be inspected at least twice a year. Other councils set different limits, so the figures here are an example, not a national rule.
Age limits when a vehicle first enters licensing
These limits apply to a vehicle that is new to licensing with the council, counted from the date of first registration. Date of first registration means the first registration in the UK, or the date of manufacture for ex-military vehicles and vehicles first registered abroad. The policy also requires vehicles to be right-hand drive, apart from novelty vehicles and limousines.
| Vehicle type | Maximum age when first licensed |
|---|---|
| Standard vehicles (other than purpose-built wheelchair-accessible) | 42 months |
| Purpose-built wheelchair-accessible vehicles | 7 years |
| Electric and hybrid saloon-type vehicles | 7 years |
| Electric and hybrid wheelchair-accessible vehicles | 10 years |
For air quality, the policy adds that vehicles new to licensing must meet at least the Euro 6 emission standard. A vehicle whose licence is allowed to lapse can be refused when it is presented again, because by then it may fall outside the age limit, so renewals must arrive before expiry.
Inspections and tests
Before a vehicle is licensed it has to pass a comprehensive inspection and a supplementary test approved by the Licensing Unit. A fee is payable for each test or re-test. The policy uses the inspection standards in the Freight Transport Association's best-practice guide for hackney carriage and private hire vehicles (the FTA is now Logistics UK). Licences usually run for twelve months from issue.
- Older vehicles: a vehicle licensed beyond its sixth birthday needs inspection at least twice a year, normally at six-month intervals at the council's depot, at the owner's cost.
- Spot checks: proprietors must present the vehicle and any fitted taximeter for inspection and testing on up to three occasions in twelve months, and the council can also carry out spot checks.
- After a collision: the holder must report to the council within 72 hours any accident that materially affects safety, performance, appearance or comfort, and the vehicle may be called for a safety inspection.
- Daily checks: drivers are expected to check lights, indicators, tyres, fluid levels and the plate position before starting work.
What goes in an application
For both hackney carriages and private hire vehicles, the application needs the completed form and fee, the registration certificate, an insurance certificate that covers hire and reward (for private hire, private hire use), an MOT certificate once the vehicle is twelve months old, and a compliance test pass certificate from the council's nominated testing station. The test certificate should normally be dated no more than 28 days before the application. The licence holder should be the registered keeper, with the V5C reflecting that.
The council also looks at where a hackney carriage will mainly work. Its policy says that, using its powers under section 37 of the Town Police Clauses Act 1847, it may refuse to grant or renew a vehicle licence where the vehicle is not intended to be used mainly in its own area. The aim is to stop cabs being licensed in one district and worked mostly in another.
Plates, signs and what you can see
The licence plate has to sit in the backing plate the council provides and be fixed securely to the rear of the vehicle, on the offside or centre at bumper height and horizontal. Magnets are not acceptable. A smaller plate inside the windscreen shows the licence number and the council's licensing contact number. Hackney carriages carry an illuminated roof sign saying "TAXI"; Cannock Chase private hire cars do not use a roof sign. Checking these markings takes a few seconds and is the quickest test of a legitimate vehicle.
Rules on modification and condition
- No alterations to the specification, design, condition or appearance of a licensed vehicle are permitted while the licence is in force.
- Window tint film cannot be added without the council's prior permission.
- From June 2024, part-worn tyres cannot be fitted, including on the spare.
- Seats reached through the tailgate must not carry passengers and must be removed before licensing.
- Loose items such as laptops or clipboards must not be left on the dashboard, because they can become projectiles in a collision.
- Category S and N write-offs can be licensed where safe, but only with written evidence such as an insurer's damage and repair engineer's report.
- Livery or colour changes need the council's agreement, with the V5C updated afterwards.
Equipment fitted in the cab, such as cameras, needs the council's agreement first. Hackney carriages must also have an approved, sealed taximeter, explained in our meter guide.
Accessible vehicles
The council will consider wheelchair-accessible vehicles that load from the rear as well as the side, provided they are purpose-built or professionally converted and the purchase is agreed with the Licensing Unit beforehand. Tail lifts fall under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, so inspection certificates must be produced at first licensing and each renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old can a taxi be in Cannock Chase?
For a standard vehicle, no more than 42 months old when first licensed with the council. Purpose-built wheelchair-accessible vehicles can be up to seven years old, and electric or hybrid types have higher limits. After six years a vehicle needs two inspections a year.
How often is a licensed taxi tested?
Licences run for twelve months and need a compliance test beforehand. Vehicles past their sixth birthday must be inspected at least twice a year, and the council can call vehicles in for testing up to three times a year plus spot checks.
Why do taxis have a plate on the back and inside the windscreen?
The rear plate shows the licence number, and the windscreen plate carries the same number and the council's contact number so passengers can identify and report the vehicle.
Can a taxi be a write-off repaired and re-licensed?
Category S and N vehicles may be licensed where it is safe to do so, provided they meet the age limits and the owner supplies the insurer's damage and repair report.
Do private hire cars need a roof sign?
Not in Cannock Chase. Some neighbouring authorities do require them, so check the rule in the area where the car is licensed.