Any vehicle licensed must be suitable to be used as a taxi or Private Hire Vehicle (PHV). This includes the vehicle size, luggage capacity and mechanical condition.We will generally accept applications for suitably sized family saloons, estates, hatchbacks, MPVs and mini-buses which are under 5 years old (calculated from the date on the registration document) at the time of initial licensing. There is no initial upper age limit on a wheelchair accessible vehiclesTo licence a vehicle an applicant must:

  • Check the vehicle you intend to licence is of an acceptable make and model
  • Complete the application form and pay the fee
  • Provide a mechanical test pass certificate issued by a testing centre nominated by the council (unless the vehicle is new with limited delivery mileage only)
  • Provide the Registration Document or other suitable proof of ownership
  • Provide proof that the vehicle is insured for its intended use, valid on the day which the licence is due to commence
  • Provide an MOT certificate (if applicable)

All vehicles must have a mechanical test at a testing entre nominated by the Council at regular intervals throughout the duration of the licence.  The frequency of test is calculated based upon the vehicles age and when the MOT is due:

  • Taxis under 6 years old: must have an MOT every year and a mechanical test 6 months either side of the MOT
  • Taxis over 6 years old: must have an MOT every year and a mechanical test 4 months either side of the MOT
  • Private Hire Vehicles under 6 years old: must have a mechanical test every 6 months until they are due an MOT at 3 years old; and thereafter a mechanical test 6 months either side of the MOT
  • Private Hire Vehicles over 6 years old: must have an MOT every year and a mechanical test 4 months either side of the MOT.

Our nominated testing centres are:

  • Bordon Tyre and Exhaust Centre, Bordon, tel 01420 477655
  • Windmill Garage, Horndean, tel 02392 571003
  • Froxfield Service Station, Froxfield, tel 01420 587403
  • Station Garage, Liphook, tel 01428 722663
  • Phillips Garage, Alton, tel 01420 83273
  • Petersfield Exhaust and Tyre Services, tel 01730 233422