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I want to apply for or renew a private hire vehicle licence
Information for drivers and operators
The Brexit transition period ended on the 31 December 2020. This means that from 1 January 2021, the UK will have a new points-based immigration system that will impact how we are able to grant licenses.
If you are an EU citizen you must apply to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS), before 30 June 2021. Hastings Borough Council value all our licensed drivers and we want our EU drivers, to remain working in our borough.
New Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards
These new standards mean that changes will need to be made to the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy soon and we will being going out to Public consultation with a new Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy in the near future.
Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards[PDF 456Kb]Application
A licence is required to operate a private hire vehicle. The licence will be valid for one year and the vehicle must comply with the council's conditions.
To apply for a private hire vehicle licence you will need to fill out the online form below:
You will also need to provide us with the following documents:
- Vehicle registration document
- Current certificate of insurance (specifically for the 'carriage of passengers' or for hire and reward)
- Current MOT certificate.
If your application is successful you will be issued with a licence place which must be affixed to the rear of the vehicle on the outside.
Conditions
Not all vehicles are suitable for private hire use. You should ask our licensing team for advice before purchasing a vehicle. Please note that vehicles must be no more than 5 years old from date of first registration and cannot be blue in colour (reserved for taxis).
All vehicles that are granted a private hire licence need to be well maintained. Every vehicle will be given an annual inspections to ensure that it is roadworthy.
A full list of the licence conditions can be found in the document below:
We have also put together a helpful document about in-cab surveillance:
- In-cab surveillance systems guidance (.pdf 28KB)
Fees
A full list of fees can be found here.
Renewal
To renew your taxi vehicle licence you will need to fill out the online form below:
Transfer
If you need to transfer your taxi vehicle licence or ownership of the vehicle you will need to fill out the online form below:
Change of address
If you need to change your address you will need to fill out the form below:
- Change of Address Form (.pdf 30KB)
Once you have completed the form you will need to send it to us at:
Licensing Team
Hastings Borough Council
Muriel Matters House
Breeds Place
Hastings
East Sussex
TN34 3UY -
Taxi and private hire licences
Actions
- Private hire vehicle licence application form
- Private hire vehicle licence renewal or transfer form
- View the taxi and private hire handbook
Contact
Got a question about taxi and private hire vehicle licensing?
Comments
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