A hackney carriage, or taxi, may ply for hire or be immediately hired at a taxi rank. These vehicles have a roof sign and taximeter fitted. The Council currently limits the number of hackney carriages to a maximum of 40. Please contact the Licensing Team if you wish to be notified when a licence becomes available.

Private hire vehicles cannot apply for hire in the street or at taxi ranks. Journeys must be pre-booked, normally via telephone or smartphone app.

Havant Borough Council issues Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licences and Private Hire Vehicle Licences for a period of 12 months.

How to apply

Fill out the Council's online form to request an application pack for any of the following types of applications:

  • Application for a New (Combined) Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver’s Licence
  • Application for a New Hackney Carriage or Private Hire Vehicle Licence
  • Application for a New Private Hire Operator’s Licence

The Council recommends that all applicants review the relevant guidance notes and the Council’s policy prior to applying for a licence.

As part of the application process, individuals will be required to:

  • Present the vehicle for inspection by a Licensing Officer.
  • Provide The V5C registration document (logbook) for the relevant vehicle. Where the vehicle has been recently purchased and the V5C has not yet been received, a full HPI check (against the VIN and VRN) obtained from a reputable provider must be provided.
  • Provide a valid MOT certificate from a reputable MOT testing station (for all hackney carriages exceeding 12 months old, and for any private hire vehicle exceeding three years old). The MOT certificate must be valid for the date that the licence is due to commence.
  • Provide evidence of a completed mechanical test undertaken at the Norse South East depot, dated no more than 3 months from the date that the licence is due to commence.
  • Provide a valid certificate of motor insurance (or temporary cover note) for the vehicle, covering the appropriate licence types for the carrying of passengers for hire.

If the applicant does not already hold a Combined Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Drivers Licence issued by Havant Borough Council, they must also obtain a basic DBS certificate. Where the applicant is a company or partnership, a basic DBS certificate will be required for each director or partner. This will be an annual requirement.

The Council no longer publishes a list of pre-approved vehicles. All vehicles must be presented for inspection prior to licensing. Where possible, it is recommended to bring a vehicle on a test drive or similar to ensure that it will be licensed in principle, prior to purchasing the vehicle.

A fee is due for this application; please refer to the prices for Council services.

Renewals

Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Licences can be renewed for a period of 12 months. A written reminder, with application documents enclosed, will be sent to each licence holder prior to their licence expiring.

Please note that the Council will no longer offer a three-month grace period on the renewal of hackney carriage and private hire vehicle licences. Applications must be submitted prior to the licence expiry date.

The Council recommends hat all applicants review the relevant guidance notes and the Council’s policy prior to applying to renew their licence. 

As part of the renewal process, licensees will be required to:

  • Present the vehicle for inspection by a Licensing Officer.
  • Provide The V5C registration document (logbook) for the relevant vehicle.
  • Provide a valid MOT certificate from a reputable MOT testing station (for all hackney carriages exceeding 12 months old, and for any private hire vehicle exceeding three years old). The MOT certificate must be valid for the date that the licence is due to be renewed.
  • Provide evidence of a completed mechanical test undertaken at the Norse South East depot, dated no more than 3 months from the date that the licence is due to be renewed.
  • Provide a valid certificate of motor insurance (or temporary cover note) for the vehicle, covering the appropriate licence types for the carrying of passengers for hire.

If the licence holder does not already hold a Combined Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Drivers Licence issued by Havant Borough Council, they must also obtain a basic DBS certificate. Where the applicant is a company or partnership, a basic DBS certificate will be required for each director or partner. This is an annual requirement.

A fee is due for this application; please refer to the prices for Council services.

Sale of vehicle

Where a licensed vehicle is sold to another vehicle proprietor during the period of licence, an application must be submitted using the Council’s prescribed application form. Please contact the Licensing Team on 02392 446660 or licensing@havant.gov.uk to request a form.

Applications shall be accompanied by a valid certificate of insurance and the V5C registration document. The licence expiry date will remain the same.

A fee is due for this application; please refer to the prices for Council services.

Vehicle transfer (hackney carriages only)

Where the licence holder wishes to change the vehicle to which the Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licence applies during the period of licence, an application must be submitted using the Council’s prescribed application form. Please contact the Licensing Team on 02392 446660 or licensing@havant.gov.uk to request a form.

Applications shall be accompanied by the same documents required for a new vehicle licence application. The licence will be granted for 12 months from the date of issue.

A fee is due for this application; please refer to the prices for Council services.

Report an accident

To notify the Council of an accident in your licensed taxi or private hire vehicle, please fill out our online form.

Make a comment/complaint

Use our online form to submit a comment, compliment or complaint about any driver, vehicle or operator licensed by the Council.

Useful Guidance