Page last updated at 15:11 GMT, Tuesday, February 23 2010
Frequently Asked Questions
Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licences in the Borough of
Eastleigh
I want to drive a taxi in Eastleigh. Do I
need a licence?
Yes, you will need a Hackney Carriage Driver's Licence issued by
the Council. You will need to complete the necessary
forms.
I am licensed with another Council. Do I need
another licence in Eastleigh?
Yes
Is there an age restriction?
You must be over 19 years old and have held a full current driving
licence for 2 years. There is no upper age limit.
How often am I required to have a medical
examination?
Between the ages of 19 and 65 you will be required to have a
medical every 5 years.
Between the ages of 65 and 70 this becomes an annual
requirement.
I would like to run my own Private Hire Vehicle
business. Do I need a licence?
Yes. You will need an Operator's
Licence. You will need to complete the forms. If
you also wish to run your own vehicles and act as a driver, you
will also need a Private Hire Vehicle Licence and Driver's
Licence.
I would like to drive my own car for an Operator in your
area. What do I need?
You will need to have your vehicle made a private hire vehicle and
have the vehicle examined by Eastleigh Borough Council's Hedge End
Depot, Botley Road, Hedge End SO30 2RA as to its suitability.
You yourself must be a licensed private hire driver to drive
it.
Do I need an Operator's Licence to run a Hackney
Carriage (Taxi)?
No. You only need an Operator's licence for operating private hire
vehicles, but you will need a Hackney
Carriage Vehicle Licence to operate a vehicle.
What do I need to do to obtain a hackney carriage (Taxi)
licence?
See section covering hackney carriage vehicles.
Can I transfer my licence to a newer
vehicle?
Yes. There is a transfer fee and as long as Eastleigh Borough
Council accepts the vehicle, it can be used.
How often is my vehicle required to have a mechanical
test?
Hackney carriage and private hire vehicles are tested at the
Council’s Hedge End Depot, Botley Road, Hedge End SO30
2RA when the vehicle is first presented to be licensed.
Private hire vehicles are required to be tested
annually. Hackney carriages are tested annually until
they reach 6 years old when they are required to be tested every 6
months.
What are the fees?
List of fees and
charges
How long does it take to get a licence?
In the region of 6 to 8 weeks depending mainly on the response time
for vetting by the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB)
Can I hold both hackney carriage and private hire driver's licences
at the same time?
Yes. The requirements for both licences are the same apart
from the knowledge test is different and the cost is double.
Will criminal or driving convictions affect an
application?
Yes. However, guidelines apply and
each case is dealt with on its merits, see the Handbook.