Licence - taxis, Hackney Carriage and private hire
vehicles
There are many conditions to consider prior to purchasing a
vehicle to be used as a hackney carriage or private hire - in
particular Allerdale's age policy. A vehicle must be under the
age of four years to be initially licensed. The renewal of a
vehicle licence may continue beyond the age of five years subject
to the receipt of a satisfactory independent engineers report and a
full service history from date of purchase. Further assistance
on this procedure is available from the Licensing Department.
All vehicles must be tested by the Council's nominated testing
station Holcar Auto Services Ltd in Workington with
vehicles over five years of age being tested twice
yearly. Hackney carriages must carry a roof sign and meter.
Other conditions are available on request. Vehicle licences are
£115 and are normally issued for a duration of one year.
Drivers
Before driving a Hackney Carriage or Private Hire Vehicle all
drivers must first obtain the corresponding drivers
badge. Requirements for all applicants to fulfil
include undergoing an enhanced CRB check, doctors medical and
passing the Driving Standards Agency test.
The licence fee is £63 and is normally issued for a duration
of one year. For further assistance please
see the ' Notes' section on the application form
for further assistance.
Private Hire Operators
Hackney carriages can stand on a rank or be flagged down in the
street. Where a vehicle is booked over the
telephone or by attending the office of an operator, this is a
private hire booking.
Operators are licensed to ensure that only licensed drivers and
vehicles are licensed. The operator is required
to keep records of their drivers and vehicles and must also record
details of the bookings that are made through them.
Licences cost £173 and are issued for a duration of three
years.