Hackney Carriage (taxi)
Hire Vehicle Licensing - FAQHire Vehicle Licensing - FAQ
||What is the difference between Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicles?
How do you determine whether or not a vehicle is in 'exceptional condition'?
How do I book my vehicle test?
What does the vehicle test involve?
Are the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire tests different?
If I fail in my application do I get my money back?
I have bought/sold a licensed vehicle. What should I do?
I have lost the plates off my car. What should I do?
What is the difference between Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicles?
The main difference between a Private Hire vehicle and a Hackney Carriage is that a Private Hire vehicle can only be used
on set pre-booked journeys, arranged through a Private Hire operator. This means that when it is working the driver cannot
go to a Taxi Rank and cannot pick up a passenger off the street unless it is a pre-booked fare.
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How do you determine whether or not a vehicle is in 'exceptional condition'?
The 'exceptional condition' standard applies to all vehicles that are over eight years of age. The standard allows vehicles to continue to be licensed that would otherwise be too old for use as a Private Hire Vehicle or Hackney Carriage in the Ashfield District Council area. The test is carried out by the testing staff at the Depot on Station Road, Sutton in Ashfield and is part of the vehicle test. An independent Motor Engineers report is also needed.
It is important for applicants to understand that this test is designed to only pass cars that are in an all over exceptional condition with respect to the age of the vehicle, taking in to account the mechanical, body panel, paint and trim condition. The test is not designed to pass average vehicles and it is important that applicants recognise this before applying.
Key items that will be considered when determining whether or not a vehicle meets the standard expected of vehicles in exceptional condition are set out below:
- The underside condition of the vehicle does not show any signs of rusting, age or deterioration
- Mechanical condition is such that there should be no item that may show age deterioration or cause or contribute to a
less than safe comfortable passenger ride
- Bodywork should be in near perfect condition with no signs of panel age deterioration, dents or any other abrasions that
may detract from the overall appearance of the vehicle
- General paint condition should not show signs of fading, discolouration or mismatching and retain a finish generally
found on much younger vehicles
- Interior trim, panels, seating and carpets etc should be of a condition that is free from frayed, discoloured, faded
or torn components
The passenger compartment should be free from damp or any other odours that may cause passenger discomfort
How do I book my vehicle test?
You will need to contact the council depot, you will be notified verbally of the test appointment.
Two working days are required as the minimum period for booking in your vehicle, under no circumstances should you expect to get an appointment faster that two working days and in some busy periods you may have to wait longer that this. If cancellations occur appointments may be brought forward but this is an occasional occurrence and will only be used at the depot's discretion.
What does the vehicle test involve?
The current test for a hackney carriage or private hire vehicle is carried out in two parts. The first part is a straightforward
M.O.T. (for vehicles over 1 in age) and the second part is a test to ensure that the vehicle meets the specification for a
licensed vehicle. The vehicle must be tested at the Council's depot and a pre-booked appointment must be obtained from the
depot before you arrive for the test.
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Are the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire tests different?
The tests are very similar but differ slightly in that a hackney carriage will also need to have an illuminated roof sign
and a meter set to the Council's correct tariff. The table of fares will also have to be on display within the vehicle if
it is going to be licensed as a hackney carriage. The vehicle specification is completely different, however, and before you
purchase a vehicle for use as a private hire or hackney carriage then you should pay careful attention to the exact specification
in order to determine whether or not the vehicle will be allowed to be used in the Ashfield District Council area.
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If I fail in my application do I get my money back?
The application fee is a single fee that covers the whole of your application and is broken down into separate parts for
administration and accountancy purposes only. The fee is non-refundable.
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I have bought/sold a licensed vehicle. What should I do?
Anyone who buys or sells a licensed vehicle must notify the Council within seven days in writing. The Council need to know
the details of the new owner of the vehicle and also the previous owner's details. There is no need to re-test the vehicle
at this stage.
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I have lost the plates off my car. What should I do?
Make enquiries with the Police and also notify the Council in writing of the fact that you have lost your plates. There is a standard charge for replacement of your plates which has to be charged if you cannot recover your originals
Please contact the Licensing Section, Environment Health & Housing Services if you have any further questions.
Ashfield District Council
Licensing Section
Environmental Health & Housing Services
Council Offices
Urban Road
Kirkby-in-Ashfield
Nottinghamshire
NG17 8DA
Direct Telephone: 01623 457 412
Direct Fax: 01623 457 530
Email: licensing@ashfield-dc.gov.uk
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