Transport for London

Taxi Licensing

How to obtain a taxi licence

(Guidance Notes)

1

On behalf of Transport for London (TfL), NSL has contractual responsibility to undertake the licensing

inspection of London’s taxis. The licensing inspections will be carried out at a number of vehicle inspection

Registered keeper

The registered keeper (owner) of a London taxi may apply to the Taxi & Private Hire Directorate (TPH) for a

London taxi licence. Registered keeper means, the person or entity registered by Driver & Vehicle Licensing

Agency (DVLA) as being legally responsible for the taxi. The taxi licence, once granted, will be issued in the

name of the registered keeper (licensee).

NB. The registered keeper may choose to nominate a person or an entity to act as an agent on their behalf

when making an application and/or presenting the vehicle for inspection.

Taxi proprietors

Taxi owners that are not a licensed taxi driver or an existing taxi proprietor will be required to undergo a

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

inspection centres strategically placed across London. The appointment can be re-arranged providing more

than 24 hours notice is given prior to the inspection date.

NB. For those taxis with a current licence, a notification will be sent reminding the owner that a renewal

inspection is due. This appointment must take place within 28 days of expiry.

Keeping your appointment

You should aim to be at the inspection centre 10 minutes before the allocated appointment. Please be

aware your application fee may be forfeited:

 if you are late and cannot be seen;

 if you cancel the appointment without giving 24 hours notice before the date of the inspection

(excluding weekends & bank holidays);

 EEC Certificate of Conformity for new taxis;

 Certificate of Insurance;

 MOT certificate confirming the vehicle passed an MOT test not more than 14 days prior to the date of

the licensing inspection (count back fourteen (14) days from the date of the licensing inspection)**

 The existing taxi licence including plates (if applicable);

 Emission equipment - fitment sign off declaration where applicable;

 Certificate of Taximeter Installation issued within 30 days of licensing inspection;

 Any relevant document relating to the taxi, as appropriate including any modification certificate.

*NB. AFRL means the new Vehicle Automotive First Registration & Licence (AFRL) scheme certificate issued

by the selling dealership.

worthy for passengers and other road users throughout the term of the vehicle licence

If the taxi is new then it is exempt from the requirement to undertake an MOT test for the first 12 months

from the date of first registration.

Inspection criteria

The licensing inspection will comprise of a full mechanical inspection, and will include an inspection of:

 Documents

 European Whole Vehicle Type Approval

 Driver compartment and controls

 Passenger compartment

 Luggage compartment

 Taxi meter and Associated Fittings

 Wheelchair Access, Securing Equipment

 Steering Manoeuvrability

 Aftermarket Equipment Fixture and Fittings

NB. The inspection will apply MoT standards for assessing the mechanical components unless otherwise

specified in which case, the manufacturers standards will apply.

Changes to the taxi

Any changes to the original construction of the taxi such as modification, adaptation, fixtures and fittings

must be approved by TPH. All requests for approval must be directed to the TPH Vehicle Policy Manager

before embarking on the changes. Any changes to the taxi without approval will cause the taxi licence to be

Advertisement

Advertisements and signage affixed to a London licensed taxi must comply with the TPH advertising and

official signage guidance documents. Electronic advertising devices and media solutions attached to and/or

carried in the taxi must seek prior approval from the TPH. All advertising must display an external alpha

numeric identifier.

Any advertisement or signage affixed to a London licensed taxi that contravenes any legal requirements,

obligations or responsibilities may cause the taxi licence to be revoked or suspended.

Communication devices

All radio equipment fitted to the vehicle must be fitted securely and safely and in accordance with the MPT

why it should be issued for a shorter period.

Emission standards

The air quality initiatives for taxis include the following age limits:

 A 15 year rolling age limit for taxis unless exempted

 All newly licensed taxis must, as a minimum, meet the relevant minimum standards for emissions

(currently Euro 6 standards)

 Details of the exemptions available can be found on our website at tfl.gov.uk/tph.

 Details of the taxi Euro standards can be obtained from the vehicle manufacturer or from the selling

dealership. Those taxis not manufactured to Euro 6 standards, can undergo a retro fit exhaust abatement

system installed by the manufacturer nominated fitting agent. Further information can be obtained from

manufacturer. All LPG/CNG gas conversations must be approved and registered with the UK/LPG

Association and the vehicle registration details must appear on their electronic database.

Only vehicles converted from diesel to one of the three alternative fuels will be eligible to apply for

exemption

Vehicle owners are advised to contact the TPH first before making a licence application if there is any doubt

Refunds

Taxis which fail their licensing inspection, and subsequently, the re-test, will have the “grant of licence”

portion of the fee refunded. No refund will be given to that part of the fee relating to the licence

application.

Congestion charge exemption

Your personal information will be properly safeguarded and processed in accordance with the requirements

of the Data Protection Act 1998.

TfL may validate information relating to yourself and/or your vehicle with a number of other organisations

including the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA)

and the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB).

You may appoint a third party to manage the vehicle inspection process on your behalf, and where this is

the case, you understand that:

i) they may pass information about you and/or your vehicle to TfL for the purpose of the vehicle inspection

ii) they may receive the results of any validation checks carried out at TfL’s request and

 TPH Enquiries t[email protected]