Vehicle Licencing FAQs
I have been offered an appointment at a test centre/time that is not convenient. Can I change the venue/time?
The date/time or location of the licensing inspection can be changed by calling the licensing booking line number 08432 241 777
What if I need to get my vehicle licensed/inspected urgently?
When contacting the call-centre, make clear that your vehicle needs to be inspected urgently and give the reasons for that. For example, it’s new vehicle not previously licensed or you need a re-test following an earlier inspection failure
Bus Lane Exemption
My vehicle has passed the licensing inspection; am I entitled to drive in bus lanes?
No. There are currently no provisions to exempt licensed private hire vehicles from bus lane regulations
Red Routes
My vehicle has passed the licensing inspection; can I stop to pick up or set down passengers?
Yes, but only if your vehicle has the private hire red route signage displayed correctly on the front and rear windscreen of your vehicle.
The signage is provided free by LTPH and all licensed private hire operators can apply for this. The additional signage must not be displayed on unlicensed vehicles or on vehicles for which an exemption from displaying licence discs has been granted, and therefore the drivers of such vehicles will not have the red route exemption. This signage does not replace the private hire vehicle licence disc – vehicles must continue to display both licence discs in addition to the new signs.
Royal Parks
Can a licensed PHV use the Royal Parks?
Yes. The Royal Parks and Open Spaces Regulation 1997 have been changed so that London licensed private hire vehicles, like London taxis, are exempt from the prohibition on trade and commercial vehicles in the Parks.
The regulations also make clear that PHVs and taxis are allowed to display advertisements, which are generally forbidden in the Parks.
Congestion Charging
How can I find out if my vehicle is exempt from congestion charging?
Call the PHV Contract management Team on 0845 602 7000 for confirmation.
What do I do if I receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN)?
You must follow the instructions given on the PCN about how to appeal. Your appeal must be made within the timescales set out in the PCN. The Congestion Charging Unit will then contact LTPH and we can confirm with them if your vehicle should have been exempt.
General information
Who are NSL?
NSL have been contracted to provide the private hire vehicle inspection service on behalf of Transport for London.
How do I make contact with the LTPH?
The LTPH help line number is 0845 602 7000 you can then select the appropriate menu option
Where can I get more information?
Information leaflets can be collected from any of the inspection centres or from the LTPH website at www.tfl.gov.uk/tph.
Inspections
What documents will I need to bring to the inspection centre?
You must make a booking to have your vehicle inspected. You will need the following original documents as they need to be presented when you take your vehicle in for inspection:
1. Existing PHV vehicle licence (if applicable)
2. V5c DVLA Vehicle Registration Certificate
3. Insurance documents
4. MOT certificate issued within the last 14 days
5. Current tax disk
6. Vehicle modification documents
7. Any other relevant documentation relating to the vehicle, where appropriate, such as Voluntary Individual Vehicle Approval (VIVA).
What will be tested/inspected
It is to insure that your vehicle document details match with their records, that the vehicle is within the age limit, validity of road tax. More specific checks on the vehicle will include checking the colour, fuel type, and any modifications and to make sure that the vehicle meets the Euro 4 emission standards.
For full details, please refer to the Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Licencing Inspection manual which can be found on the Tfl page:
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/businessandpartners/taxisandprivatehire/26864.aspx
My vehicle has failed the licensing inspection; can I appeal against the decision not to issue a licence?
- Owners of vehicles that fail the licensing inspection will be given a vehicle inspection report listing the reason(s) why a licence has been refused along with instructions on what to do next. In each case the vehicle inspector will explain why the licence has been refused.
- You can ask for the NSL team leader to re-consider the failure decision. If the NSL team leader accepts your representation, the original decision will be reversed and you will be granted a PHV licence.
- Should the NSL team leader uphold the original decision, you must rectify the defect/s listed on the “Vehicle Inspection Report” before making a re-test appointment.
- You also have the right to appeal to a Magistrates’ Court against a decision not to issue a PHV licence. Should this option be considered, you must apply in writing and enclose the “Vehicle Inspection Report” and any relevant correspondence.
My vehicle has failed the inspection. Can I still use my vehicle for private hire?
No – It is contrary to the regulations to use a vehicle for the purpose of carrying passengers if the vehicle is not licensed. You should make every effort to get the defects corrected and present your vehicle for a re-test.
Inspection Centres
Where are the PHV inspection centres located?
There are 6 inspection centres located around the London area.
| Address | Site Details |
| (West) Heston 20 A Airlinks Industrial Estate Spitfire Way Heston TW5 9NR |
The site is approximately 14,500 sq ft and has 25-30 parking spaces and capacity for 6 inspection bays and a limousine bay |
| (North) Enfield Unit 2 Watermill Centre Edison Road Enfield EN3 7XF |
The ‘Northern’ site is within walking distance of the current SGS site. The site is 10,000 sq fit with space for 6 inspection bays and parking for up to 17 vehicles outside. |
| (East) Crayford Unit Q1, Acorn Industrial Park Crayford Kent DA1 4AL |
The site is 9,000 sq ft and has sufficient of parking space for waiting vehicles. There will be 5 inspection bays. |
| (South) Coulsdon Unit B5 Redlands Ulswater Crescent Coulsdon CR5 2HT |
There will be 5 inspection bays and sufficient parking for waiting vehicles. |
| (Central East) Canning Town 1 North Crescent Canning Town E16 4TL |
Site will have sufficient parking for 18 parking spaces with the inspection centre itself having space for 3 inspection bays plus a limousine bay. |
| (Central West) Staples Corner Unit 2 Aquarius Staples Corner Priestly Way NW2 7AN |
The second western site is based in the Aquarius Business Park in Brent Cross area, which allows for access via major roads. The site is approximately 10,500 sq ft with parking for 18 spaces, 3 inspection bays and an additional limousine limo bay. |
I’ve heard that it is easier to pass an inspection at one inspection centre than at another?
LTPH and NSL are continuously analysing management information to monitor the performance of each of the licensing inspectors/inspection centres. This information is, in turn, used to offer additional training where required.
New vehicles
I have a new/different car, how can I get an urgent appointment?
Call the NSL booking line number 08432 241 777 and speak to the call centre agent and make it clear that you require a new vehicle to be licensed.
Replacement licences
I have had my PHV licence/disc stolen. Can I get a replacement?
The theft of either the PHV licence or licence disc/s must be reported to your local police. You should ensure that you obtain a unique crime reference number showing that you have reported the theft. You are also required to contact the PHV Contract Management Team on 0845 602 7000 where further advice will be given.
Compliance/MoT tests
Is my vehicle required to undergo a second MoT test?
If your vehicle required an MoT certificate at the time of the licensing inspection, you must ensure that a second MoT is obtained 6 months from the date of the licensing inspection.
Licensing fee
What is the cost of the licensing inspection?
Application fee £65 (non refundable)
Grant of Licence Fee £35
Total of £100