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Licensing - private hire vehicles

We cannot limit the number of private hire vehicle licences and we must grant a vehicle licence if we are satisfied that the car meets a number of criteria. Further details and the application forms are below.

Private hire vehicles licensed by the council must display a yellow plate on the rear and a smaller internal plate. Roof signs are not permitted. 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 that 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 suitable garage or other vehicle maintenance business. 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 eight 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.
  • A six monthly check is undertaken on all private hire vehicles
  • All accidents to vehicles must be reported to the local authority via report of an accident causing damage to a private hire vehicle form. 

A fee for an annual licence is required upon application. See the Fees and Charges document in the related documents section.

Completed forms should be returned to the following address.

Contact details

Licensing Section
South Derbyshire District Council
Civic Offices
Civic Way
Swadlincote
Derbyshire
DE11 0AH

Tel: 01283 595724
Fax: 01283 595855
Online: contact form
email: licensing2@south-derbys.gov.uk

Page ref: LGSL 633

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