Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy

A licensed hackney carriage, or taxi, can legally pick up passengers without a prior booking—either by being hailed on the street or from a taxi rank—and must generally use a calibrated meter to charge fares no higher than those set by the Council; they can also be used for pre-booked journeys. In contrast, a private hire vehicle cannot be hailed or use ranks and may only carry out journeys that have been pre‑booked through a Buckinghamshire Council licensed operator; its fares are not controlled by the Council and are agreed in advance. Only drivers licensed by Buckinghamshire Council are permitted to drive taxis and private hire vehicles that the Council has licensed. These vehicles must always follow the licensing rules, regardless of whether they are transporting passengers.

The relevant law for licensing taxis and private hire vehicles (the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 and Town Police Clauses Act 1847) requires that taxis have to be clearly recognisable as a hackney carriage and that private hire vehicles need to be:

• Suitable in type, size and design for the use of a Private Hire Vehicle;
• Not of such a design and appearance as to lead any person to believe that the vehicle is a Hackney Carriage;
• In a suitable mechanical condition;
• Safe;
• Comfortable; and
• That there is in force in relation to the use of the vehicle a policy of insurance that complies with the Road Traffic Act 1988.

Vehicle licences can be held by individuals, registered partnerships (two or more people in business together) or limited companies. Usually, the vehicle must be registered to one of these groups, but there will be occasions where the vehicle is leased or hired. In all cases the applicant(s) must demonstrate that they have ownership of, or a financial interest in, the vehicle or permission to use the vehicle on an extended basis (in the case of a lease or hire).

Applications must be made online via the Council’s website and all required documents provided. Any forms received without accompanying documentation may be returned to the applicant.

It is your responsibility to renew your licence before it expires and if you have not submitted a valid renewal application before your licence expires you will need to apply for a new licence. (see 4.20 below).

Before applying for a licence, it is strongly recommended that you read sections 4.1 to 4.22 below.

Any application for a taxi or private hire vehicle licence will only be accepted if completed in full and accompanied by all required documents, as detailed below:

1. Completed application form with the correct payment. While applicants may receive help filing in the form, the named applicant must provide all answers and remains accountable for the information submitted including the declaration.
2. Valid vehicle registration document in the name of the applicant or other acceptable proof of ownership (lease or hire contract, the V5 New Keeper Supplement with an official sales receipt, or sales receipt from a registered company in the case of newly manufactured vehicles). The number of seats recorded in the DVLA logbook must match the number of seats (including driver) in the vehicle presented for licensing.
3. Relevant certificate of insurance for the vehicle which covers the activity required (i.e. public or private hire – see 4.2) and which is valid on the date that the licence is due to come into force. Where the certificate does not specify the registration number of the vehicle to be licensed, a valid schedule of insurance showing the vehicle registration number must be provided. See section 4.2.
4. If your vehicle has been altered or converted since original manufacture, for example your vehicle is not recorded as M1 type approval category on the V5 document, you must supply one of the following documents in addition to providing full details of what has been altered and the reasons:
   1. Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) certificate, confirming that the vehicle meets M1 safety standards and regulations issued by the DVSA.
   2. Small Series or Low Volume Type Approval (LVTA) from the vehicle manufacturer. Certificates of conformity from companies other than approved manufacturers that adapt/modify vehicles are not acceptable. See section 4.3.
5. Valid MOT Certificate and evidence of compliance check for the vehicle issued by a Council approved testing station issued within one month of the application. See section 4.4.
6. Unless the applicant is a current licensed driver or operator, all applicants for a new vehicle licence will have to provide a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Certificate which is not more than 3 months old, unless they have already provided a DBS issued within the last 12 months. Any information on the Certificate will be considered in line with the Council’s Criminal Records and Unacceptable Behaviour Policy (Appendix 4). See section 4.21.
7. Certificate of Good Conduct. Applicants who have resided outside the United Kingdom for a cumulative period of 12 months or longer, at any time since turning 18 and within the 10 years prior to their application, are required to submit a certificate of good conduct from each relevant country of residence or the appropriate embassy. This requirement applies to any country (excluding the UK) where the applicant has lived for 12 months or more—either consecutively or cumulatively—during the last 10 years while aged 18 or over.
8. In the case of applications for executive status, the supporting documentation as specified at 4.14 of the Policy and the exemption notice previously issued in relation to the vehicle where appropriate.
9. For Hackney Carriages, evidence of compliance with the Council’s Intended use policy. See section 4.23 and Appendix 9

A fee must be paid with all applications and it is your responsibility to make sure that you have paid the correct amount. View our taxi fees.

Licensing fees are reviewed, considered by the Council and agreed every year. Fees are set at a level that aims to ensure that they only cover the costs of providing the licensing service. Before being agreed proposed changes are advertised for at least 28 days and any comments are considered before a final decision is made.

A substantial element of the fee covers the initial grant of the licence and it is unlikely refunds will be given if a licence is surrendered before it expires.

Taxis must be insured for public hire and reward and must cover at least third party, fire and theft and include legal liability for passengers and luggage (minimum of £10 million).

A private hire vehicle must be insured for private hire and reward, such insurance to provide, as a minimum requirement, cover for third party, fire and theft and also to include legal liability for passengers and luggage (minimum of £10 million).

All vehicles must meet British and European safety and design standards and have British National Type, European Whole Vehicle Type Approval (EWVTA) or Individual Type Approval (IVA) and must not be significantly changed from that approved design. They should be category M1 type approval, category M1 is defined as a vehicle designed and constructed for the carriage of passengers and comprises no more than eight seats in addition to the driver’s seat. You may be required to produce evidence such as a manufacturer’s certificate of conformity with the vehicles unique identification number proving it meets M1 type approval.

The Council can allow vehicles that have been converted and certified under Small Series or Low Volume Type Approval, as long as no further changes were made after conversion. In these circumstances, a certificate of conformity from the vehicle manufacturer with the vehicles unique identification number will be needed as proof.

If the vehicle has been modified from the original type approval, you must provide proof that it meets M1 standards by passing a voluntary Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test to M1 standards at a Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) testing station. The test needs to be done after modifications and with any extra equipment (like wheelchair access/restraints) installed.

Vehicles that have been converted from other types, such as M2 or N1 category will not be acceptable for licensing unless they have been converted and certified under the Small Series or Low Volume Type Approval or have a DVSA issued IVA that certifies them to M1 standards and regulations.

In making decisions about a vehicle’s suitability to be licensed, the Council will take into account passenger safety, comfort and the design of the vehicle. We will only license a vehicle as a private hire vehicle or taxi if it meets the following requirements:

1. Unless it is a hackney carriage and is required to be wheelchair accessible, it is a saloon car, hatchback car or other vehicle of suitable type and design.
2. It has at least four doors (a rear–opening hatchback will not be considered or counted as a door in terms of getting into or out of the vehicle.
3. The steering wheel is on the right hand side of the vehicle.
4. It has four road wheels and a suitable means of repair if one or more of the tyres fail.
5. The number plates comply with any relevant DVLA rules on number plates. “Ghost” plates which cannot be read by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (APNR) systems are illegal and are not permitted.
6. An MOT pass certificate and satisfactory garage inspection report from a Council approved garage has been issued within the previous month. Additional certificates may be required if the vehicles involved in an accident or mechanical breakdown.
7. It has an area for storage of luggage and/or the means for all luggage to be secured and kept secure at all times so that no damage or injury is caused to either passengers or luggage.
8. It has an acceptable means of getting into and out of all parts of the vehicle and which does not require the passenger to climb over other seating or luggage.
9. The vehicle has the same number of seats as stated in the vehicle log book.
10. All seats within the vehicle, front and rear must be fitted with working seat belts. It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure that all passengers under the age of 14 are using appropriate seat belt.
11. Window glass is clean and gives a clear view both into and out of the vehicle. Only factory fitted tinted glass will be acceptable which must meet the requirements of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986. Under no circumstances will stick on style tinting, or post manufacture glass tinting be permitted.
12. It has no more than 8 passenger seats.
13. It is not licensed by any other authority. The Council does not allow dual-plating of any licensed vehicle at any time. Any vehicle found to be licensed by another authority will have the licence suspended or revoked.
14. It has not been written off by an insurance company - unless it is a Category N write-off (has sustained no structural damage) and it has been repaired, tested and certificated to the satisfaction of the Council.
15. Has a means of accepting card or cashless payments.

In exceptional circumstances, for example stretch limousines and novelty vehicles, the above requirements may be departed from, although it is strongly recommended that you contact the Licensing Service before you buy such a vehicle or make an application.

All licensed vehicles will be tested at least once annually and further tests may be required in addition to the annual MOT and compliance test.

Applicants are responsible for the payment of any fees required for any visual and mechanical inspections direct to any independent nominated testing stations.

Applicants are responsible for making sure that their vehicle complies in every respect with Council policy and that the inspecting garage is given all relevant information.

The Council will not be liable for any financial loss or expense which results from any failure to provide relevant information.

At all times licensed vehicles must be kept clean, tidy, damage free, safe and mechanically sound. Any repeated failures in relation to vehicle maintenance may result in formal action being taken against the vehicle licence holder and / or the operator.

The Council is committed to social inclusion and ensuring a wide variety of vehicle types are available for disabled residents to avoid discrimination in terms of travel arrangements.

A mixed fleet which provides the greatest opportunities and flexibility for a range of disabilities is considered most appropriate to serve the widest possible needs of disabled people.

Any application for a new hackney carriage vehicle licence will only be considered if the vehicle is wheelchair accessible (WAV) and meets the requirements below and those set out in the Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles Specification.

Existing non-WAV hackney carriage vehicles (saloon style) will only continue to be licensed until the vehicle reaches the maximum age limit of 12 years. New and replacement hackney carriage vehicles will need to be wheelchair accessible and meet the requirements below and those set out in the Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles Specification.

Any vehicle, before it can be considered to be licensed as a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle, must have British National Type, European Whole Vehicle Type Approval (EWVTA) or Individual Type Approval (IVA) and must not be significantly changed from that approved design. If a vehicle has been converted or modified to be wheelchair accessible, regardless of its original approval category (M1, N1, or M2), a voluntary Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) inspection carried out by the DVSA may be required. This is to ensure that the conversion meets M1 safety standards and complies with all relevant regulations.

It is strongly recommended that you check with the Licensing Service before proceeding with the conversion or submitting your application, to confirm whether an IVA will be necessary.

Any equipment fitted to the vehicle for the purpose of lifting a wheelchair into the vehicle must have been tested in accordance with the requirements of the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (S.I. 1998/2307) – or as amended from time to time. Any such equipment must be maintained in good working order and be available for use at all times. If the lifting equipment becomes unavailable or inoperative for any reason, the vehicle proprietor must notify the licensing authority immediately.

Vehicles that meet the Council’s wheelchair accessible vehicle specification and are subsequently licensed will be published on the Council’s designated list.

Signage is to be fixed to the outside of all vehicles to convey to passengers that the vehicle has been designed or adapted to carry a wheelchair.

Any driver of a licensed wheelchair accessible vehicle must have successfully passed a Council approved course specifically designed for this type of vehicle in addition to undertaking the mandatory disability awareness training. Drivers of a designated WAV are required to carry any passenger in their wheelchair or transport the wheelchair if the passenger chooses to sit in the vehicle and carry any mobility aids. Drivers of any licensed vehicle are required to carry any disabled passenger, provide reasonable mobility assistance, carry their mobility aids or wheelchair (if safe to do so), help disabled passengers to find or identify their vehicle at no extra charge, and carry a disabled passenger's assistance dog and allow the dog to remain with them. Drivers cannot refuse to carry an assistance dog or provide mobility assistance unless they have a specific medical exemption issued by the Council. Further information on the duties under the Equalities Act 2010 and exemption process can be found in section 3.9 and on the Council’s website.

From the date of implementation of this revised Policy, 1st September 2026, licence applications will be accepted for vehicles up to the age of 12 years, unless one of the exceptions outlined in this section applies.

Any vehicle that meets the Council's standard wheelchair accessibility vehicle specification requirements (see section 4.5) can be licensed up until they are 15 years old. Those vehicles that meet the Council’s enhanced wheelchair accessible standards will not be subject to an age limit, they will instead continue to be licensed as long as they pass six monthly MOT and compliance tests once they reach 15 years.

In line with the Council’s emissions policy, vehicles which produce ultra-low (ULEV) or zero emissions will also be licensed until they are fifteen years old. A ULEV is currently defined as having less than 75 grams of CO2 per kilometre (g/km) from the tail pipe.

Any dates are calculated from the date of first registration (or date of manufacture if it is earlier) provided on the V5 Registration document.

The age of the vehicle will be determined as the date that a valid application is received by the Council.

All vehicles are subject to and must pass the Council’s testing requirements before a licence is issued.

Licensed taxis and private hire vehicles must carry a suitable fire extinguisher to support the safe evacuation of passengers, not to fight vehicle fires. National safety advice highlights that untrained attempts to extinguish fires can be dangerous, so drivers and passengers should always exit the vehicle immediately and call 999 if a fire occurs. The extinguisher may be used only to help create a temporary safe route for escape.

Each vehicle must carry a British Standards‑approved, hand‑held fire extinguisher with a pressure gauge, securely fixed and easily accessible to the driver. The extinguisher type must be appropriate for the vehicle and follow manufacturer guidance, particularly for hybrids and electric vehicles, where different requirements may apply. Acceptable types typically include a 1kg dry powder or 2‑litre Aqueous Film Forming Foam (‘AFFF’) extinguisher unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise. Extinguishers must be serviced annually (unless replaced) by a competent company, with the inspection details and vehicle licence number clearly displayed.

Drivers and operators are responsible for ensuring that the extinguisher remains in good condition and correctly installed. Because the Council does not currently provide fire‑extinguisher training, drivers must follow the principle of “get out, stay out, call 999”, using the extinguisher only to aid evacuation.

A first aid kit complying with the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 must be carried in all licensed vehicles so that it is immediately available for use in an emergency. All items contained within the first aid kit must be within their expiry date and in good condition.

Door Stickers

Members of the public often confuse taxis with private hire vehicles. It is important to distinguish between the two types of vehicle to ensure that passengers travel safely, are fully insured and that each vehicle is easily identifiable.

All private hire vehicles issued with licences by the Council must display Council issued door signs, which include the vehicle's current licence number, on a door either side of the vehicle. The only exceptions to this requirement are where vehicles have been granted exemption or executive status. The stickers must be properly maintained and securely fixed to the vehicle. Stickers secured by means of a magnet are not allowed unless they are being used on a temporary vehicle. The stickers will also include the Council’s logo and state that the vehicle must be pre-booked/booked in advance. The stickers must remain on the vehicle at all times when the licence is in force.

No Smoking Signs

Approved “No Smoking” signage must be displayed inside the vehicle at all times that the vehicle is licensed.

Information Notice

A Council issued notice must be displayed within the vehicle which provides information to passengers in relation to how they can contact the Licensing Service to make a complaint or provide other information.

Hackney Carriage Roof Sign

All taxis must have a fixed, double-sided roof sign bearing the word “TAXI” in black lettering, on a white background (purpose built taxis may be constructed differently). When illuminated, the roof sign must not show a white light to the rear.

All signage which indicates that a vehicle is licensed must be removed when the licence expires, is suspended or revoked or if the vehicle is transferred. This requirement is to make it clear to members of the public that the vehicle is not licensed by the Council.

Other than the door stickers referred to above at 4.8, no signs, notices, advertisements, marks, numbers, letters, figures, symbols, emblems or devices can be displayed on, in or from any licensed vehicle unless it is a legal requirement or it is in line with the Council’s Advertising Policy for Vehicles. See Appendix 7.

Taxis must be fitted with a taximeter which has been installed by a recognised taximeter company and calibrated on an annual basis. The taximeter must be visible to passengers and must clearly show the tariff being used and the amount payable.

Drivers must use the meter at all times when carrying passengers, even for journeys which have been pre-booked. Drivers cannot charge more than the approved tariff except where a fare has previously been agreed and the journey ends outside of the Council area. Drivers can charge less than the metered amount.

A copy of the fare table issued by the Council must be displayed at all times inside the vehicle so that it is clearly visible to passengers.

Maximum hackney carriage fares will be reviewed by the Council as deemed necessary, including upon request by representatives of the local hackney carriage trade. During each review, fares will be compared with those charged by neighbouring authorities and at the national level, and relevant retail price index rates will be taken into account. Should any fare variation be proposed, a public notice will be published in a local newspaper and on the Council’s website, allowing a minimum period of 28 days for public comments. Following this consultation, a report will be presented to the appropriate Cabinet Member for consideration and final approval.

We acknowledge that taxi and private hire vehicles account for a relatively small proportion of the total number of cars in the UK and Buckinghamshire, however we recognise that they have a disproportionate impact on air quality impacting human health. This is due to the relatively high mileage they cover and their concentration in urban areas such as railway stations, supermarkets, and shopping centres where large numbers of pedestrians are present. Emissions produced by these vehicles not only have an impact on the health of the local population but also on taxi and private hire drivers who may be exposed to poor air quality for 8-12 hours a day.

Department for Transport guidance suggests that Licensing Authorities may wish to consider how far the vehicle licensing policy can and should support local environmental policies that the Council may have. They may also decide to set vehicle emissions standards by promoting cleaner fuels. A review carried out by the National Society for Clean Air and Environmental Protection in 2005 found that taxis were more likely than other vehicles to fail emissions tests.

The Council considers that every effort should be made to improve the efficiency of vehicles licensed to operate in its area by reducing the emissions of pollutants such as nitrous oxides, particulate matter and carbon dioxide.

The UK continues to regulate pollutant emissions from light road vehicles through standards that originated in the former EU Euro 5 and Euro 6 frameworks. These requirements have been retained in UK law as assimilated regulations following EU Exit, ensuring that limits on key pollutants—such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter—remain in force to protect public health and air quality.

Air Quality Management Areas have been declared in parts of the Council area including High Wycombe, Marlow, and Aylesbury because of predicted levels of nitrogen dioxide. An Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) is an area identified by Local Authorities where the statutory UK air quality objectives are being breached. AQMAs are areas where levels of air pollution are higher than they should be (as defined by central government).

Levels of nitrogen dioxide in parts of the Council area remain above the National Objectives. Air quality action plans were introduced individually by the former district councils within Buckinghamshire (Aylesbury Vale DC (2010), Chiltern DC (2009), South Bucks DC (2006) and Wycombe DC (2018). All the action plans set out strategies to reduce vehicle emissions in order to improve air quality, including working with businesses to reduce their impact on air quality. It is a duty for local authorities to bring down pollution levels, within their areas, to within acceptable limits in the shortest period of time possible.

All new vehicles registered since September 2015 have been required to meet the Euro 6 pollutant emissions standard, originally established through EU regulations and now retained within UK law as assimilated legislation. Following the introduction of the Council’s first comprehensive vehicle age‑based licensing policy in 2021, virtually all currently licensed vehicles now meet Euro 6 as a minimum, with only limited exceptions where older specialist vehicles remain in service. Going forward, the Council proposes to retain Euro 6 as the minimum emissions standard for all licensed vehicles, except where an approved exemption applies for wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) that may require a longer operational lifespan due to their specialist nature.

In order to encourage a greater uptake of ultra-low emission (ULEV) and electric vehicles within the taxi trade, ULEV and zero emissions vehicles will be licensed for a period of up to 15 years of age as opposed to the standard period of up to 12 years of age. A ULEV is currently defined as having less than 75 grams of CO2 per kilometre (g/km) from the tail pipe.

It is the aim of the Council that all new vehicle licence applications be for zero emission vehicles by 2035 and this Policy will be kept under review with this target in mind.

All vehicles are subject to and must pass the Council’s testing requirements before a licence is issued.

The Council will not license any vehicle that is already licensed as either a hackney carriage or private hire vehicle by another authority. Vehicles can also only be licensed as either a hackney carriage or a private hire vehicle. It is the responsibility of applicants and licence holders to ensure that their vehicle is not licensed by another authority.

The Licensing Service has a duty of care to ensure that all residents, professional clients and general customers travelling in private hire vehicles are safe and secure at all times and that private hire vehicles are readily recognisable as such. To that end the Council’s standard conditions require the display of private hire licence plates/discs and door stickers.

The Council recognises a class of executive status vehicles which will be exempt from these requirements. For such vehicles, more discreet executive plates or discs will be issued, the requirement to display door stickers will be waived. In truly exceptional circumstances, exemptions may be granted for the display of the licence plate or disc although this will generally only be allowed when it relates to the safety and security of passengers.

The Council will grant executive vehicle status to licensed vehicles which are used predominantly for executive work. In this context ‘predominantly’ means that the principal function of the vehicle is to provide services to corporate of business account customers, in accordance with contracts or written agreements where payment is made in advance or on account.

Limited non-executive journeys may be undertaken provided they do not become the main purpose for which the vehicle is used. Licence holders must retain comprehensive booking records, demonstrating that the vehicle is predominantly used for executive services, and these records need to made available for inspection by enforcement officers upon request.

Being selective over clients, general airport runs and pre-agreeing fares does not constitute executive hire work.

The work must be conducted:

• for corporate or other business account customers who have a contract or written agreement with the licence holder; and
• payment is made in advance or on an account basis and not direct to the driver

In order to obtain executive status the following must be complied with:

(1) An application for executive status must be made providing details of the vehicle, including make and model, registration, vehicle licence details where applicable, owner’s details and full name and address of the driver(s) using the vehicle.

(2) The vehicle must be a high quality, executive or prestigious vehicle such as a 5 or 7 series BMW, E, R or S Class Mercedes, Jaguar XF or XJ, a Chrysler Grand Voyager, high specification electric vehicles or similar. Applicants should supply the Licensing Service with a full specification of any other vehicle for confirmation as to whether it would be eligible for executive status before buying any make or model of vehicle other than those listed above.

(3) The vehicle must be in a pristine condition with no visible defects, dents or blemishes to the external bodywork or internal trim or seating. The application must be accompanied by photographs of the interior and exterior of the vehicle taken at the time the application is made. The authority reserves the right to request the vehicle be brought to the Council offices for inspection before a licensing decision is made.

(4) Confirmation must be provided by the Operator of the executive nature of the work, including a declaration from the operator and supporting evidence of the executive status of the work. Supporting evidence may be by way of:

• bookings records;
• client references;
• business plan or description of intended executive style work.

Applicants applying to renew vehicle licences with executive status are not required to provide an operator declaration, or further supporting evidence, unless the council has concerns about the executive status of the vehicle.

(5) You must sign an acknowledgment that you fully understand, accept and will comply with both the executive status conditions and this policy.

Following receipt of an application for executive status, the vehicle will be assessed on its own merits. Officers of the Licensing Service may contact customers to confirm the details given in the application.

If an applicant is aggrieved by the decision refusing executive status, they will have a right to appeal in writing within 14 days of the date of the decision to a Senior Officer within the Council’s Licensing Service.

If executive status is granted, the status may be removed at any time after it has been granted if there is evidence that the conditions and requirements are not being complied with. Executive status is non-transferable and each application will be treated on its own merits.

The Council views the granting of executive status as a privilege and expects the executive status conditions to be complied with at all times.

If a decision is made to remove executive status, the executive licence plate or disc must be returned to the Council immediately. The vehicle will then be subject to ordinary private hire conditions as to the display of licence plates and door stickers.

For the purposes of this policy and licence conditions, a stretched limousine is defined as a luxurious vehicle that has been modified (stretched) to extend the length of the vehicle and which is capable of carrying up to, but not more than, 8 passengers.

The Council will not license this type of vehicle as a Hackney Carriage.

On application for a vehicle licence for stretch limousines and novelty vehicles the following documents must be provided in addition to the requirements for a standard private hire vehicle:

a) Individual Vehicle Approval Certificate.

b) Documentation to confirm the overall weight of the vehicle.

c) The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate must display ‘1L1’ to confirm that the conversion has been completed by an authorised dealer. This will be confirmed by inspection prior to any licence being issued

The requirements for licensing stretched limousines and novelty vehicles and the standard conditions to be attached to these licences can be found at Appendix 3 in this Policy.

Applications for non-standard road vehicles such as other novelty vehicles, tuk tuks or horse and carriages will be considered on their own merits but will be subject to greater scrutiny because they raise special safety concerns. If licensed, these vehicles may be subject to specific conditions tailored to their individual circumstances.

The licence holder must return the vehicle’s licence plate, paper licence, and any Council‑issued livery to the Licensing Service Licensing before selling or transferring a licensed vehicle. In addition, the licence holder must notify the Licensing Authority in writing within 48 hours of the sale, confirming the name of the person or business to whom the vehicle has been sold. This requirement ensures the vehicle remains properly insured and is only driven by an appropriately licensed person.

Where the vehicle is sold with the intention of its continued use as a licensed vehicle, the new owner must apply for the licence to be transferred into their name by completing the appropriate application form and submitting this along with a valid insurance certificate (and schedule if required), the V5 Registration Document in the applicant’s name or the completed New Keeper Supplement plus the official sales receipt and the relevant fee.

Where a change of vehicle is required during the period of a vehicle licence, for example due to sale of the vehicle, mechanical breakdown or accident, a new licence application must be submitted for the new vehicle along with the appropriate fee and any documents usually required for a vehicle licence. The application will be treated as a new vehicle application and the previous licence must be surrendered (unless transferred to a new owner).

If a licensed vehicle is stolen, the licence holder must notify the Licensing Authority immediately, and in any event within 24 hours of becoming aware of the theft. The licence holder must also report the theft to the police without delay and provide the Licensing Service with the corresponding crime reference number.

The vehicle must not be used for hire or reward until it has been recovered, inspected, and approved as roadworthy by an authorised officer.

In cases where the vehicle is not promptly recovered, the licence holder may apply for a temporary vehicle licence in accordance with section 4.19 of this Policy.

The licence holder must also ensure that any Council‑issued livery, plates, or signage removed from the vehicle during police investigation are returned to the Licensing Service as soon as practicable.

In cases of mechanical breakdown or damage following an accident, a temporary licence and plate can be issued to a different vehicle. This licence will last for a period of no more than six months. If the vehicle is still required at the end of this period a full licence must be applied for.

A temporary licence will not be issued to any vehicle that is already licensed by the Council when the application is made. A temporary licence may also not be issued to anyone who has failed to return a temporary licence and plate when requested to do so within the previous two years. A fee is payable for temporary licences.

Temporary licence plates must be displayed on the vehicle in line with the conditions of the licence. It is your responsibility to pay for any damage which might be caused when the temporary licence is removed.

Council issued door stickers must also be displayed on temporary vehicles but because the licence is only valid for a short period of time these can be attached by means of magnets.

It is the responsibility of existing licence holders to ensure that they apply for the renewal of their licence before it expires. The Council will not accept a renewal application after the licence has expired – in these circumstances a new licence application will be required. Licence holders are responsible for ensuring that their renewal applications are submitted in good time.

Applications for vehicle licences may be made up to two months in advance of the expiry date to allow sufficient processing time. Failure to submit a complete renewal application with sufficient time before the licence expires may result in the licence lapsing before the renewal application is determined, meaning the vehicle will not be considered licensed until the application has been determined and a licence granted.

Under no circumstances will renewal (or new) licences be issued without full and satisfactory checks having first been carried out.

We aim to send reminders to current licence holders to help them renew on time. To receive these notifications, licence holders should keep their contact information updated.

Unless the applicant is a current licensed driver or operator, all applicants for a vehicle licence will have to provide a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Certificate which is not more than 3 months old, unless they have already provided a DBS issued within the last 12 months. Any information on the Certificate will be considered in line with the council’s Criminal Records and Unacceptable Behaviour Policy (Appendix 4).

If you have been absent or resided outside the United Kingdom for a cumulative period of 12 months or longer, at any time since turning 18 and within the 10 years prior to an application or while licensed, you are required to submit a certificate of good conduct from each relevant country of residence or the appropriate embassy. This requirement applies to any country (excluding the UK) where the applicant has lived for 12 months or more—either consecutively or cumulatively—during the last 10 years while aged 18 or over.

Where existing vehicle licence holder’s commit offences and/or breaches of licence conditions, the nature and number of incidents will be taken into consideration along with the Council’s Criminal Convictions and Unacceptable Behaviour Policy when making any decisions about what action should be taken. Complaints or warnings will usually be held on file during any licence or application period and can also be taken into consideration if there is a period when the licence holder is not licensed. If your licence is revoked for persistent breaches of licence conditions, we would not usually grant another vehicle licence to you for a period of 3 to 5 years after the date of revocation.

The Council will not normally issue a vehicle licence to anyone who does not comply with the minimum requirements set out in the Council’s Criminal Records and Unacceptable Behaviour Policy (see Appendix 4). Where several minor offences or failures to comply with instructions or requests have been committed, the Council will take into consideration any pattern of offending. The Council will take all relevant information into consideration when considering an application for a hackney carriage or private hire vehicle licence.

Once licensed, or while your application is being considered, you must tell us in writing within 48 hours if you are interviewed by the police, receive a notice of intended prosecution, arrested, charged, cautioned, or convicted of any offence, including motoring offences.

You (or someone on your behalf) must also notify us in writing within 48 hours if you have been detained by the police.

If you are given a Traffic Offence Report, Notice of Intended Prosecution or Fixed Penalty Notice you need to notify us in writing within 48 hours of receiving the document, not when the driving licence has been updated.

Application for vehicle licences are likely to be refused if the vehicle or applicant does not meet the requirements of this Policy. Similarly, once granted vehicle licences may be suspended or revoked for example where:

• The vehicle is considered to be unroadworthy, this could be due to accident damage or mechanical breakdown/malfunction.
• There is no current valid insurance or MOT for the vehicle.
• There is no current operator for a private hire vehicle.
• The licence holder is not considered to be a fit and proper person.

The licence holder will be issued with full reasons in writing for any such action.

For private hire vehicle applications there is right of appeal against the Council’s decision to refuse to grant a licence or the imposition of conditions under section 48 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 (‘LG(MP)A 1976’). In these circumstances there is a right of appeal to the Magistrates Court which must be lodged within 21 days of receiving the Council’s decision notice.

For hackney carriage vehicle applications there is right of appeal against the Council’s decision to impose conditions under section 47 of the LG(MP)A 1976. Where the Council refuses to grant a new vehicle licence, the applicant has a right of appeal to the Crown Court. In either case the appeal must be lodged with the correct court within 21 days of receiving the Council’s decision notice.

If your vehicle licence has been suspended, revoked or your renewal application is refused under section 60 of the LG(MP)A 1976, you can appeal to the Magistrates Court within 21 days of receiving the Council’s decision notice. In these circumstances the vehicle may continue to be used during the 21-appeal period, and if an appeal is lodged, the vehicle can be used until the appeal has concluded. In the case of a vehicle licence suspension, if the issue of concern is addressed to the Council’s satisfaction within the 21-appeal period the licence will be reinstated.

In certain circumstances, typically where serious concerns are identified following the inspection of a vehicle by an authorised Council officer or police officer, the vehicle licence may be suspended with immediate effect in accordance with section 68 of the LG(MP) 1976. In these circumstances there is no right of appeal and the vehicle may not be used for licensable purposes until such time as the issue(s) of concern has been resolved to the officer’s satisfaction. Should the matter not be resolved to the officer’s satisfaction within 2 months the licence is deemed revoked.

Please note that if you choose to appeal, you may be responsible for costs associated with the appeal process, including but not limited to the cost of lodging an appeal, legal expenses, and, if your appeal is unsuccessful, costs incurred by the Council. You are also responsible for ensuring that appeals are lodged within the legal time limit and submitted to the correct Court. You are also responsible for ensuring that should a licence be subject to expiry during the appeal period that a valid renewal application is submitted to maintain the licence in the event of a successful appeal.

Given the legal implications of the appeals process, it is recommended that independent legal advice is sought as soon as possible.

If you are applying for a hackney carriage vehicle licence, you must show that you genuinely plan to use the Council-licensed hackney carriage mainly within Buckinghamshire Council’s area. The Council will check your home address to help confirm this.

The Council is unlikely to grant you a licence if you plan to use the hackney carriage mostly outside Buckinghamshire. However, if there are special reasons, the Council may consider your application, but keeping the public safe will always be the top priority.

See Appendix 9.