Wolverhampton Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Licensing: Requirements and Compliance

Eligibility for a Wolverhampton Taxi or Private Hire Vehicle Licence

To qualify for a Wolverhampton taxi or private hire vehicle licence, the vehicle must meet specific requirements set by the City of Wolverhampton Council. These criteria ensure that only safe and roadworthy vehicles are approved for use.

Essential Documents for Licensing Application

The City of Wolverhampton Council requires private hire vehicle operators to submit specific documents when applying for or renewing a vehicle licence. The application process ensures all vehicles meet regulatory and safety standards. Below are the key requirements for a successful submission.

Vehicle Registration Document (V5)

Applicants must submit a complete image of the V5 document, including all pages and both sides.

• If the applicant is not the registered keeper, proof of vehicle hire is required.
• For recently purchased vehicles, a temporary allowance is made for those who do not yet possess the full V5. In such cases, an invoice or the completed Section 2 ("Selling or transferring my vehicle to a new keeper") and Section 6 ("New Keeper’s Slip") from the current V5 may be submitted.

Vehicle Insurance Certificate/Cover Note

All applicants must have an electronic copy of their vehicle insurance ready for upload.

• The certificate can be postdated by up to one month, provided the coverage starts on the day of inspection.
• The council will validate the insurance during the inspection process.
• If using a paper certificate, applicants should also keep a digital copy from a verified source (e.g., insurance provider’s app or email) to avoid authenticity issues.

MOT Certificate

Vehicles that are not brand new with delivery mileage only must provide a valid MOT certificate.

• The MOT must be issued within 10 days of the application date.
• A photograph or scanned copy of the certificate must be submitted.

Vehicle Age Restrictions

Private hire vehicles in Wolverhampton are subject to strict age limits:

• Vehicles must be no older than 11 years and 6 months at the time of application.
• Licensing is only granted until a vehicle reaches 12 years old.
• The iApply online system will block applications for vehicles exceeding this limit.
• An exception applies to vehicles with emissions below 75 CO₂g/km. For further inquiries, contact [email protected].

DBS Certificate for Non-Drivers

If the applicant is not a licensed driver, they must submit a Basic DBS certificate from the UK Government.

• For companies or partnerships, all Directors/Partners must provide a DBS certificate.
• New applicants must submit a certificate issued within the last 12 months.
• Renewal applicants must ensure their DBS certificate is dated within 12 months of the licence expiry.
• A photograph or scanned copy of the certificate is required.
• From 10 July 2024 onwards, Licensing Services must verify new DBS certificates in person or by post.
• Existing Wolverhampton Council Private Hire Vehicle Drivers are exempt from this requirement.

Additional Certificates (If Applicable)

Certain vehicle modifications require extra certification:

• LOLER Certificate – Required for vehicles fitted with a tail lift.
• LPG Certificate – Mandatory for vehicles converted to LPG fuel.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Applying for a private hire vehicle licence involves a structured process to ensure compliance with the City of Wolverhampton Council's regulations. Below is a step-by-step guide to completing your application successfully.

Step 1: Gather the Required Documents

Before starting your application, ensure you have the following documents ready:

• Vehicle registration document (V5C) or bill of sale if newly purchased.
• Private hire insurance certificate covering hire and reward use.
• Valid MOT certificate, issued by a Wolverhampton-approved test centre within the last 10 days.
• Basic DBS certificate (if required) dated within the past 12 months.
• Licence fee payment, which varies based on the vehicle's age.

Step 2: Submit Your Application Online

All applications must be completed online through the City of Wolverhampton Council's licensing portal.

• Upload the required documents.
• Ensure all information provided is accurate to avoid delays.
• Pay the licence fee as instructed.

Step 3: Await Application Review

Once submitted, your application will be reviewed by the licensing authority.

• If any information is missing or incorrect, you may be asked to provide additional details.
• If the DBS certificate contains any disclosures, a hearing may be required to assess your eligibility.

Step 4: Book a Vehicle Compliance Inspection

If your application is approved, you will be required to schedule a vehicle compliance inspection at a Wolverhampton-approved centre.

• This ensures the vehicle meets all safety, signage, and operational standards.
• Failure to pass the inspection may result in rejection or the need for modifications.

Step 5: Receive Your Private Hire Vehicle Licence

Once the vehicle has passed inspection:

• Your private hire vehicle licence will be issued.
• You will receive your licence plates and documentation confirming approval.

Wolverhampton Private Hire Vehicle Licence Fees

Other applicable fees are as follows:

MOT and Compliance Testing: A valid MOT certificate is required, dated no more than 10 days before the licence application is submitted. The cost of an MOT test varies by testing centre.

Insurance Costs All private hire vehicles must have hire and reward insurance in place. The price depends on factors such as the vehicle type, the driver’s history, and the chosen insurance provider.

DBS Check Fees If the applicant is not already licensed as a driver or operator, they must provide a Basic DBS certificate, which is available for £18 via the UK Government website.

Licence Renewal and Replacement Costs Renewal fees apply when extending a vehicle licence beyond its initial term. If a vehicle is replaced, a new application must be submitted, and the full licensing fee will apply.

Taking these expenses into account will help ensure a straightforward and efficient process when applying for a private hire vehicle licence.

Wolverhampton Private Hire Vehicle Licensing Policy for ULEVs and ZEVs (Electric & Plug-In Hybrid)

The council has removed vehicle age limits for Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) and Ultra-Low Emission Vehicles (ULEVs), making it easier for proprietors to invest in cleaner, more sustainable transport.

What This Means for You

• Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) – Fully electric vehicles with no combustion engine are exempt from the age policy.
• Ultra-Low Emission Vehicles (ULEVs) – Vehicles emitting less than 75g CO₂/km are also included in this exemption.

This policy change allows owners to spread the cost of purchasing environmentally friendly vehicles over a longer period, making ZEVs and ULEVs a more attractive investment.

Why It Matters

By adopting these vehicles, the private hire industry can play a role in:

• Reducing air pollution
• Lowering carbon emissions
• Conserving fossil fuel resources

MOT Requirements

Even though age restrictions no longer apply, these vehicles must still undergo:

• Annual MOTs up to 10 years of age.
• Six-monthly MOTs once they exceed 10 years.

Checking Vehicle Eligibility

To confirm whether your vehicle qualifies as a ZEV or ULEV, check its registration details at: Vehicle Enquiry Service

• If CO₂ emissions are listed as 0g – 74g/km, the vehicle qualifies as a ZEV or ULEV.
• Be cautious with imported vehicles—if emissions are recorded as 0g CO₂/km but the fuel type is not 'ELECTRICITY' or 'FUEL CELL ELECTRIC', the listing may be incorrect. If the vehicle has an exhaust pipe, it is likely not a true ZEV.

By making the switch, you can future-proof your business while supporting a cleaner, greener transport network.