Preston Private Hire: Your Vehicle Licensing Guide

Embarking on a career as a private hire driver in Preston requires a clear understanding of the local licensing regulations. One of the most common questions aspiring drivers have revolves around the number of vehicles they can license. Fortunately, for private hire vehicles in Preston, the answer is remarkably straightforward and offers significant flexibility compared to other taxi services. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about licensing your private hire vehicle, from the application process to the crucial vehicle tests, ensuring you're well-equipped to navigate the requirements set by Preston City Council.

Understanding Vehicle Licences in Preston: Private Hire vs. Hackney Carriage

When it comes to taxi services in Preston, it's vital to distinguish between two primary categories: private hire vehicles and hackney carriages. While both require a licence from Preston City Council, their operational rules and vehicle limits differ significantly.

Private Hire Vehicle Licences: Unlimited Potential

For those interested in operating a private hire vehicle, there's excellent news: there is no limit to the number of private hire vehicles that can be licensed within Preston. This policy allows for greater market entry and flexibility for drivers and operators. Once a private hire vehicle is licensed, it must strictly adhere to the rule that it can only be driven by a private hire driver who is also licensed by Preston City Council. This ensures that both the vehicle and the individual operating it meet the required safety and professional standards.

Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licences: A Regulated Number

In contrast to private hire, Preston City Council maintains a strict limit on the number of hackney carriage vehicles. Currently, this limit stands at 187 hackney carriage vehicles within Preston. There are instances where vehicle licences become available, but overall, the number is capped. Similar to private hire, once a hackney carriage vehicle is licensed, it can only be operated by a hackney carriage driver holding a valid licence from Preston City Council.

The Application Process: Securing Your Vehicle Licence

Whether you're applying for a new vehicle licence or renewing an existing one, the procedure for both hackney carriage and private hire vehicles is identical. Licences are typically issued for a maximum period of six months, meaning regular renewal is a part of the process for all licensed vehicles.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

1. Complete the Online Form: The initial step involves completing the dedicated online application form. This is the primary method for submitting your request for a new or renewed taxi vehicle licence.
2. Gather Required Documents: Before or during your application, you must prepare several essential documents. These are crucial for the council to verify your vehicle's suitability and compliance.
3. Arrange Vehicle Testing: Your vehicle must undergo a thorough examination and test at an approved garage before a licence can be issued. This is a critical step to ensure your vehicle meets all safety and compliance standards.
4. Pay the Licence Fee: A fee is associated with the vehicle licence application. Details regarding the exact costs can be found on the dedicated taxi licence fees page provided by the council. Ensure this payment is made to avoid delays in processing your application.
5. Await Notification for Collection: Once your application, documents, fee, and compliance certificate from the garage are received and processed, you will be contacted by a licensing technician. This notification will confirm that your licence, vehicle plates, and any original documents are ready for collection.

Essential Documents for Your Vehicle Licence Application

To ensure a smooth application process, you must provide specific documentation. Accuracy and completeness are key to avoiding delays.

• Relevant Insurance Certificate: A copy of your vehicle's insurance certificate is mandatory. If you're applying online and don't have a digital copy, you can arrange for your insurance broker to email it directly to [email protected].
• Vehicle Registration Document (V5): You will need to submit a copy of pages 1 and 2 of your vehicle registration document (V5). This should be emailed to [email protected].
• Type Approval for Converted Vehicles: For any converted vehicles, especially those designed to be wheelchair accessible, you must provide proof of European Whole Vehicle Type Approval/Individual Type Approval (IVA) or European Low Volume Type Approval. This documentation should also be emailed to [email protected].

Vehicle Testing: Ensuring Safety and Compliance

Before your vehicle licence can be issued, your vehicle must undergo a rigorous examination and test. This is not merely a standard MOT; it includes additional standards specific to licensed taxi vehicles in Preston. You are responsible for making your own arrangements to have this test conducted.

What the Vehicle Test Includes

The vehicle test encompasses a standard MOT test, ensuring the vehicle meets general roadworthiness requirements. Beyond this, your vehicle will be assessed against a number of extra standards mandated by Preston City Council. These additional compliance testing standards are designed to ensure a higher level of safety and suitability for vehicles used in public transport. After your vehicle has been tested, the garage will directly notify the council of the results. If your vehicle passes, a compliance certificate will be issued to the council, and you may also receive a copy for your records, along with your MOT certificate.

Approved Garages for Vehicle Examinations

Preston City Council has approved several garages to conduct these specialised taxi vehicle examinations and tests. It's important to note that these garages will charge a fee for their services. Here is a list of approved facilities:

Taximeter Calibration for Hackney Carriages (Not Applicable to Private Hire)

While this article primarily focuses on private hire vehicles, it's worth noting a specific requirement for new hackney carriages: taximeter calibration. If you were applying for a new hackney carriage licence, you would need to arrange for your taximeter to be calibrated by a recognised agent. This is not a requirement for private hire vehicles, as their fares are typically pre-booked and agreed upon rather than metered. For context, here are recognised agents for hackney carriage taximeter calibration:

• Nadeem Latif
  Address: Fulwood, Preston.
  Telephone: 07884378751
  Email: [email protected]
  Remit: Cygnus and Digitax meters
• Eddy Wane
  Address: RF Radio Fitter, Unit 33 Centurion Industrial Estate, Centurion Way, Farington, Leyland, Preston, PR25 4GU.
  Telephone: 0772138755
  Email: [email protected]
  Remit: Cygnus and Viking meters
• Greg Winlett
  Address: RS Technology, 44 Old Mill, Bamber Bridge, Preston, PR5 6SY
  Telephone: 01772 628000
  Email: [email protected]
  Remit: Tango meters

Please remember that these meter agents will also charge a fee for their service.

Collecting Your New or Renewed Vehicle Licence

Once all necessary documentation, fees, and the compliance certificate from your vehicle test have been successfully received by Preston City Council, the processing of your licence will begin. You should expect your licence, vehicle plates with associated materials, and any original documents to be ready for collection from the Town Hall reception no later than 10 working days after the council has confirmed receipt of all required items. A licensing technician will contact you directly when everything is prepared for pickup at Preston Town Hall, located at Lancaster Road, Preston, PR1 2RL.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How many private hire vehicles can I license in Preston?

A: There is currently no limit to the number of private hire vehicles that can be licensed within Preston. This offers significant flexibility for operators.

Q: How long is a private hire vehicle licence valid for?

A: Vehicle licences, for both private hire and hackney carriage, are issued for a maximum period of six months.

Q: Can any licensed driver operate a private hire vehicle?

A: No. Once a private hire vehicle is licensed by Preston City Council, it can only be driven by a private hire driver who is also licensed by Preston City Council.

Q: What documents do I need for my vehicle licence application?

A: You will need a copy of your relevant insurance certificate, pages 1 and 2 of your vehicle registration document (V5), and for converted vehicles, proof of European Whole Vehicle Type Approval/Individual Type Approval (IVA) or European Low Volume Type Approval.

Q: Where do I send my supporting documents like insurance and V5?

A: Your insurance certificate (if digital copy not available during online application) and V5 document copies should be emailed to [email protected]. The same applies to type approval documents for converted vehicles.

Q: Do I need to get my vehicle tested before applying for the licence?

A: You need to make your own arrangements to have your vehicle examined and tested by an approved garage. The council will not issue your licence until a compliance certificate from the garage has been received.

Q: What does the vehicle test involve?

A: The vehicle test includes a standard MOT test and also assesses the vehicle against a number of extra standards required by Preston City Council for licensed vehicles.

Q: How will I know when my licence is ready for collection?

A: A licensing technician from Preston City Council will contact you directly when your licence, vehicle plates, and associated materials are ready for collection from the Town Hall.

Q: Is taximeter calibration required for private hire vehicles?

A: No, taximeter calibration is a requirement only for new hackney carriage vehicles. Private hire vehicles typically operate on pre-booked fares.

Conclusion

Operating a private hire vehicle in Preston offers a valuable service to the community, and the licensing process, while thorough, is designed to ensure safety and compliance for all. The key takeaway for aspiring private hire drivers is the flexibility provided by the absence of a vehicle limit, allowing for accessible entry into the market. By diligently following the application procedure, understanding the documentation requirements, and ensuring your vehicle passes the necessary rigorous tests, you can successfully obtain your licence and contribute to Preston's transport network. Always remember to stay informed about any updates to council policies to ensure continuous compliance and smooth operation of your private hire vehicle.

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