Licence - Private Hire Vehicle (Minicab)
Private Hire Vehicles cannot ply for hire in the street or at taxi ranks. Journeys must be pre-booked, normally by phone or in person at a cab office. Failure to do so is an offence and invalidates the vehicle's insurance cover. Fares for private hire vehicles are not regulated by the Council - the cost of a journey will normally be based on a rate per mile or should be agreed with the company before the journey.
Service Contact:
Licensing Service,
PO Box 257, The Council House,
College Road,
Doncaster,
DN1 1RN.
Tel: 01302 737590 or 736671
E-Mail: licensing@doncaster.gov.uk
Private Hire Vehicles licensed by the Council must display a yellow plate on the front and 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 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 confirmed 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 8 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.
What information must you provide to us?
To help us consider your application it is our policy for you to show us:
- That the proprietor (or company) making the application has an operating base within the Doncaster Metropolitan Borough.
- That the proprietor making the application holds a private hire driver's licence issued by this authority.
That you can produce the following documents:
- Vehicle registration document - we cannot process your application without seeing this document.
- MOT Certificate (if applicable).
- Policy or cover note of insurance covering the vehicle for "public and/or private use" for you and/or your drivers.
- That your vehicle is mechanically suitable. Your vehicle must pass an inspection carried out by a qualified mechanic (see legal requirements). The vehicle will also be subject to a visual inspection carried out by an authorised Licensing Officer of the Council.
- That the appropriate fee is paid (details on request).
A copy of the relevant legislation can be viewed at the Council Offices (address above) where you can also obtain an application form and a copy of our standard conditions.
Licence Fees from 1st April 2008 - 31st March 2009
Vehicle Test = £47.00
Vehicle Licence = £97.00
Front Plate (small) = £16.50
Rear Plate (large) = £26.50
Fixing Brackets (optional) = £14.00
Transfer vehicle licence to a new owner = £36.00
