Private hire operator's licence

To run a private hire business in Woking, an operator licence is required. Private hire operators are based throughout the borough and normally accept bookings over the phone. Cars are then sent to customers through the use of radios or computerised systems.

There are no restrictions on the number of vehicles and drivers that can be operated under this licence.

• A licensed private hire driver cannot accept any bookings unless he either holds or works for a licensed private hire operator.
• An operator may pass a booking to another licensed private hire vehicle operator provided that the operator is also licensed by us, Woking Borough Council.
• The licence will normally be issued for 12 months and must be renewed prior to its expiry.

Licence requirements

Before a private hire operator licence is granted, the you must demonstrate to us that:

• the address from which you intend to operate is suitable and, where applicable, satisfy any conditions that may be attached to the licence in order not to disturb the ambience of the area
• you, the applicant, is a 'fit and proper' person (relating to previous criminal convictions, conduct, etc)
• To understand the licence requirements in full detail, read our operator's guidance.

Vehicle Inspections

All Hackney Carriage taxis and Private Hire vehicles must pass an inspection carried out by an authorised mechanic before a vehicle can be licensed.

Inspection Frequency

Vehicles More Than Three Years Old: If a vehicle is more than three years old when first licensed or renewed, it will require two inspections per year: one as part of the licensing process and another six months later.

Renewal Requirements: When renewing your vehicle license, you must present the inspection certificate from your most recent six-monthly inspection, as well as a current valid inspection certificate. Failure to present these certificates may delay the renewal process and incur additional surcharges.

Authorised Garages

To facilitate the inspection process, we have authorised the following garages. Please contact the garages directly to book your inspection:

By booking an inspection with one of these authorised garages, you can ensure your vehicle meets all the necessary requirements for licensing. If you have any further questions about the inspection process, please contact our licensing team for assistance.

Fare Chart For Woking Hackney Carriage

A hackney carriage, commonly known as a taxi, is equipped with a meter and is licensed to pick up passengers from taxi ranks or be hailed on the street. Understanding the fare system helps ensure a smooth and transparent experience for both passengers and drivers.

Hackney Carriage Fare Chart (Effective from 15 December 2022)

Here is a simplified version of the fare chart with a detailed description of the fare system.

Description

1. Tariff 1: Daytime Rate
   This rate applies during standard daytime hours, from 7 am to 11 pm on weekdays and Saturdays, and includes a slight increase on Sundays. The fare starts at £5.72 (Monday to Saturday) and £6.62 on Sundays, with each mile after the first costing an additional £2.82. There is a cap for short distances, with the first 125 yards or 22 seconds capped at £3.10 on weekdays and £4 on Sundays.

2. Tariff 2: Night & Holiday Rate
   Night-time and holiday rates apply between 11 pm and 7 am, as well as on all national public holidays. Under this tariff, fares start at £7.93, with each additional mile costing £4.23. There is a cap of £4 for the initial 125 yards or 22 seconds, with additional increments charged at £0.30.

3. Tariff 3: Double Rate
   During peak holiday periods—Christmas (11 pm on Christmas Eve to 5 pm on 27 December) and New Year (11 pm on New Year’s Eve to 7 am on New Year’s Day)—the fare doubles. The initial cost for the first mile is £11.44, with each additional mile costing £5.64. There is no cap or incremental charge for short distances under this tariff.

This fare system is structured to account for varying demand and holiday rates, ensuring drivers are compensated fairly during peak hours while giving passengers a clear breakdown of costs.

Extra Charges

Additional Passenger: 50 pence charge for each additional passenger (in excess of one).

Soiling or Damage: £100 for leaving the hackney vehicle unfit for immediate hire due to soiling or damage.

Luggage: No charge for luggage carried inside or outside the passenger compartment.

Assistance Dogs: Free of charge.

Journeys Outside the Licensing Area

If a journey takes a taxi outside the Woking borough area, the driver must charge according to the fare scale detailed above unless otherwise agreed with the hirer before the journey begins. These fares are the maximum charges applicable.

By understanding these fare structures and additional charges, passengers can ensure they are charged fairly and transparently for their journeys. If you have any questions about fares or need further clarification, please contact our licensing team.

Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles List:

Ultra low emission vehicle (ULEZ) requirements

A ULEV vehicle is classed as a vehicle which has less than 75 grams of CO2 per kilometre (g/km) from its exhaust pipe.

Please note: as and when the Vehicle Certification Agency replace the required (g/km) level, the policy will match the latest national requirements.

If you currently own a licensed wheelchair accessible taxi

• Licensed non ULEV wheelchair accessible taxis can remain in use until the vehicle reaches 15 years old.
• From the 31 March 2026, all wheelchair accessible taxis are required to become ULEV or electric.
• You will be required to replace your non ULEV wheelchair accessible taxi with a ULEV vehicle (wheelchair accessible or saloon) by 31 March 2026, or when the vehicle reaches 15 years old – whichever date is soonest.

Disclaimer: This guide is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice or an official reference. Regulations and legislation may change. For the latest information, please refer to the Woking Council Taxi Licensing.