Local authorities are responsible for licensing hackney carriages, private hire vehicles, drivers and private hire operators.
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Click here to read the hackney carriage and private hire licensing policy. As a result of local government reorganisation in Northumberland, there are currently six hackney carriage zones:
A hackney carriage licensed in one zone may not be licensed for hire in another in Northumberland, or elsewhere in the country. Relevant bylaws apply to each zone, to control the conduct of both proprietors and drivers. The law allows a council to require that a hackney carriage is clearly identified through design features. The council has applied standards for hackney carriages to ensure they are:
In addition to the above general requirements, the council has exercised its discretion to apply the following standards:
New Hackney Carriage:
New Hackney Carriage Vehicle Appliation Form and Guidance Notes
Hackney Carriage vehicle replacement:
How to replace your Hackney Carriage Guidance Notes and Application Form
Click here to read the hackney carriage and private hire licensing policy.
Any vehicle used as a private hire vehicle must be licensed under section 48(1)(a) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, which requires the council to be satisfied that any vehicle is:
Suitable in type, size and design.
Not have a design and appearance that may lead a person to believe it is a hackney carriage.
In a suitable, safe mechanical condition.
Comfortable.
In addition to the statutory requirements as set out above, the council has exercised its discretion and private hire vehicles must also:
Not be fitted with a roof sign of any description. This could lead a person to believe that the vehicle is a hackney carriage.
Clearly display a licence plate provided by the council on the exterior of the rear of the vehicle. This must be securely attached to the vehicle by rivets, bolts or screws.
Display a door marker supplied by the council centrally on each of the front doors of the vehicle. The markers should be securely fixed to vehicle doors at all times.
Display the vehicle licensing details inside the vehicle in a form provided by the council.
Permit any passenger to communicate with the driver, either directly or through an approved communication system.
Have a boot or load carrying area with adequate space for the safe and secure storage of luggage. Saloon or estate vehicles should not have this area within the passenger compartment. This area should never interfere with the safe access and exit of passengers and the minimum space required must allow a folded wheelchair to be carried.
If the vehicle is fitted with a meter, it must be properly tested, sealed and approved by the council. The seating capacity of the vehicle will be determined by the council. Each individual seat must be a minimum of 400mm (16") in width. If the seating does not conform to this, or if the comfort and safety of the passengers is questioned, the council may reduce the permitted number of passengers.
New Private Hire:
New Private Hire Vehicle Guidance Notes and Application Form
Private Hire Vehicle Replacement:
How to replace your Private Hire Vehicle Guidance Notes and Application Form
The council’s duty is to ensure that conditions are met, and each applicant must be able to demonstrate this. In addition to the statutory requirements, the council will exercise its discretion and all applicants are subject to additional conditions. All new applicants for driver’s licences will be required to:
Please click here for a sample list of questions you may get on the Hackney Carriage test. DBS Applications: We are now offering applicants the opportunity to use an online system to submit DBS applications. The website address is: disclosure.capitarvs.co.uk/nereo/ The organisation reference is: NCCPPL Password: NCC Please click here for guidance notes on this system. For specific queries regarding medical issues or criminal convictions, please contact the licensing section for informal advice.
New driver:
New driver information sheet
New Hackney Carriage driver application
New Private Hire driver application
Please do not contact the licensing authority for further information or queries regarding Government Gateway or tax checks this is a government led requirement the licensing authority cannot help you with this and all information can be found at:
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