Ashfield District Council: Hackney Carriage (taxi)

Hackney Carriage (taxi)

A "Hackney Carriage" is more commonly called a black cab. These vehicles have a roof sign and display a white plate on the rear of the vehicle. A Hackney Carriage can be booked in advance, flagged down, or hired at a taxi rank. The council is required to regulate all the Hackney Carriages it licences.

To get a vehicle licensed by Ashfield District Council you must first decide whether the vehicle that you are going to drive is to be a Hackney Carriage or a private hire vehicle. Select this link for the differences between a Hackney and a Private Hire vehicle.

Select this link if you require a licence for a Private Hire Vehicle rather than a Hackney Carriage.

All new applications for Hackney Carriage licences will only be accepted when the vehicle is less that two years old and is wheelchair accessible. These vehicles will be tested annually.

To continue renewing licences for vehicles beyond eight years of age, the vehicle must be shown to be in 'exceptional condition' and must be approved by the Licensing and Registration Committee. These vehicles will be tested twice a year.

How to apply

To apply you must complete an application form, have a vehicle test and supply all the required documentation.

Application forms can be obtained by selecting the relevant link below:

Select to download a PDF application form

Or by contacting the

Licensing Section of Ashfield District Council.

In addition to completing the application form you will need to enclose payment for the licence fee and book a vehicle test. Payment must be made in full before the test as the receipt will need to be taken to the test.

What happens Next?

If the test is successful you will need to visit the Council offices with your completed application form and the following documentation:

The original registration document/bill of sale
Insurance Certificate/cover note - The insurance must be for driving a taxi and cover must start, at the latest, from the date/time of the vehicle test.
Original log book
MOT certificate (for vehicle over 1 year in age) Ashfield District Council carry out independent MOT testing.
Test sheet with fee receipt

If you are renewing a vehicle over 8 years old an independent Motor Engineers report is also needed and your application will be referred to the Licensing and Registration Committee.

If you application is successful, your taxi plate and licence can be issued.