Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards: A Guide for UK Drivers

The Bottom Line: Read This First

* The primary objective of all vehicle licensing is to protect the public.

* The Department for Transport issues statutory guidance that all licensing authorities must have regard to when setting their local licensing policies.

* There are no single national minimum standards, which means requirements can vary significantly from one district council to another.

* Key areas of vehicle standards include safety, accessibility, appearance, and the use of in-vehicle CCTV.

More Than an MOT: Your Guide to Vehicle Standards

For every licensed driver, their vehicle is their most important tool. But getting it on the road is more complicated than just passing an MOT. The official taxi and private hire vehicle standards set by your local licensing authority are the rules you must follow before your car can be granted a vehicle licence.

These standards are in place for one overriding reason: to protect children and vulnerable adults, and the public as a whole. Passengers must have confidence that the licensed vehicle they step into is safe, well-maintained, and suitable for the job.

But with rules on everything from vehicle age to CCTV varying from one council to the next, it can be a confusing landscape. This guide breaks down what you need to know about the official statutory guidance and what your council will look for when they inspect your car.

The Goal: A Safe and Well-Regulated Fleet

The Government acknowledges that common core minimum standards are required to better regulate the taxi and private hire vehicle sector. To help with this, the Department for Transport published in July 2020 a key document: the Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards.

While each district council still sets its own specific licensing requirements, this guidance issued by the government provides a national framework they all must consider. The focus is always on public safety and ensuring the licensing regime is robust enough to protect passengers and uphold the reputation of the trade.

Key Areas of Vehicle Standards

While every council has its own specific licensing policies, the standards they set generally fall into a few key categories. Understanding these areas will help you prepare for any inspection and ensure your vehicle is compliant.

1. Safety and Mechanical Condition

This is the most fundamental requirement. A licensing authority must be satisfied that a vehicle is mechanically sound, safe, and comfortable before it can be granted a vehicle licence.

• Inspection and Testing: Councils have the power to require proprietors to present their hackney carriage or private hire vehicle for inspection and testing. This is often more stringent than a standard MOT to ensure vehicles are mechanically safe. An authorised officer or constable can inspect and test any licensed vehicle at all reasonable times to ascertain its fitness.
• Frequency: A district council cannot require the same vehicle to be presented for inspection on more than three separate occasions during any one period of twelve months.

2. Design, Appearance, and Markings

Councils have the power to set rules about how vehicles look, primarily to ensure a clear distinction between taxis and PHVs.

• Taxis (Hackney Carriages): A district council may require a hackney carriage to be of a certain design or appearance, or to bear distinguishing marks that clearly identify it as a hackney carriage. The number of persons to be carried must also be painted on a plate on the outside of the vehicle.
• Private Hire Vehicles (PHVs): Crucially, a council shall not grant a licence if a PHV’s design and appearance could lead someone to believe it is a hackney carriage. When a licence is granted, the council will issue a plate or disc that must be exhibited on the vehicle as a condition of the licence.

3. Accessibility for Disabled Passengers

The Equality Act 2010 and the Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Act 2022 place specific duties on drivers and authorities to ensure services are accessible.

• Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles: All licensing authorities are now required to maintain and publish a list of licensed taxis and PHVs they designate as being wheelchair accessible.
• Driver Duties: Drivers are required by law to carry any disabled person, provide them with reasonable mobility assistance, and carry their mobility aids, all without charging more than they would for a non-disabled passenger. It is also a legal requirement for drivers to carry assistance dogs, unless they have a valid medical exemption certificate from the council.

4. In-Vehicle CCTV

The use of CCTV is an increasingly common condition, though it is not yet a national requirement. The Department for Transport (DfT) view is that CCTV can provide an additional deterrent to crime and be a useful investigative tool.

• Local Consultation: The DfT’s statutory standards recommend that all licensing authorities should consult locally to see if mandating CCTV would have a positive effect on the safety of passengers and drivers.
• Privacy Concerns: Any CCTV policy must balance safety with privacy. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has raised concerns about continuous recording, especially audio recording, which is considered more intrusive than video recording and is unlikely to be justifiable.

The Final Word: Your Vehicle is Your Business

It can be easy to view vehicle standards as just another set of hoops to jump through, but they are a core part of what makes you a professional driver. These rules exist for one primary reason: to protect the public and ensure passengers have confidence in the service you provide.

You now know that the standards set by your local licensing authority go far beyond a simple MOT, covering everything from mechanical safety and accessibility to the specific markings on your car. Most importantly, you know that these licensing policies can vary significantly from one council to the next.

By understanding your own council’s requirements and keeping your vehicle in top condition, you not only ensure you’ll pass your inspection but also build public confidence and uphold the high standards of the trade. Always check your own licensing authority's most up-to-date vehicle policy to be sure you are compliant.

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