Apply for a Vehicle Licence

Hackney Carriages (Taxis) and Private Hire Vehicles require a licence from us.

Requirements

  • You must have a Hackney Carriage Licence or Private Hire Vehicle Licence for each vehicle that you own.
  • Each new vehicle is subject to passing a compliance check and a mechanical test before it can be considered for a licence.
  • You should check the vehicle specifications before purchasing a vehicle.
  • A licensed vehicle can only be driven by someone who holds a Taxi Driver Licence issued by us.
  • All journeys in Private Hire Vehicles must be booked through a Private Hire Operator's Licence.

Apply for a Vehicle Licence

Firstly make an appointment with our Vehicle Testing Station on Hermitage Lane by calling 01623 463093, for the vehicle to have a compliance check.

Apply for a Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Vehicle Licence

Our application fees (opens in a new window) must be paid when you make your application.

We will need the following for verification before the mechanical test takes place:

  • Compliance check sheet that states the vehicle has passed the compliance test
  • Vehicle registration document or bill of sale.
  • Valid insurance document.
  • MOT certificate (if applicable)
  • Payment.
  • The compliance check fee and the mechanical test fee are paid directly to the Vehicle Testing Station.

Types of vehicle

There are two types of vehicle:

Hackney Carriages

  • Have a top sign with the word TAXI - this is lit when they can be hired.
  • Have a square white licence plate on the rear of the cab displaying the words Mansfield District Council in red and hackney carriage in black and a large black number.
  • Can be hailed in the street.
  • Can work from the town centre ranks.
  • Do not need to be pre-booked.
  • All have a fare meter and fare chart displayed inside the cab.

Private Hire Vehicles

  • Cannot be legally referred to as a taxi.
  • Have a long yellow licence plate on the rear of the car displaying the words Mansfield District Council and private hire vehicle and a large black number.
  • Have the name of the private hire company displayed on the side of the car (all doors signs must have MDC approval).
  • Cannot be hailed in the street. They must be pre-booked by telephone or in person at the company base.
  • When booking always ask for an estimate of the fare, as not all private hire vehicles have meters.

Public register

We hold a public register containing details of vehicle licences, issued by us.

The register contains the following information:

  • name of owner
  • date and period for which the licence is granted, and
  • licence number.

If you would like to see the register, please contact us.

Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy

Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy (opens in a new window)