Taxi licences

If you intend to operate a taxi or private hire car in North Ayrshire, you will need a taxi driver's licence. This means a licence is required for the vehicle and for each driver employed to drive the taxi.

To be eligible for a taxi driver's licence you must:

• be a fit and proper person to hold such a licence
• have held a full driving licence for at least 12 months immediately prior to the date of application
• be medically fit
• prove you have a 'right to work in the UK' - Read our important information
• follow the Tax Rules for Licences

How to apply

You will need:

• two up to date passport photographs
• confirmation of your driving licence, use our driving licence guide

There are two different classes of driver licences:

• to drive a taxi
• to drive a private hire car

Apply for a:

If you are renewing your licence, you can continue to operate as a taxi driver past your licence expiry date, as long as you have applied for a renewal prior to the date of expiry. You have 28 days after expiry to provide proof of a 'right to work in the UK'.

Next stages

When we have received your application and fee:

• we will inform Police Scotland
• applications advertised on this website allow the public to make any objections or representations

If there are no objections or representations, the application can be granted under 'delegated powers'. This means that the decision to grant the Licence is made by an officer with delegated powers.

If there is any adverse comment, the application must be referred to a Hearing of the Licensing Committee. You will be told about the Hearing and will be able to make representations in favour of your applications.

Licence conditions

The licence is subject to the Taxi Driver Licence Conditions, which include the Taxi Driver Standards of Dress.

Driver identification badges must be displayed in a Council-approved holder mounted on the nearside of the windscreen, where the badge can be clearly seen by passengers and does not obstruct the driver’s view.

Approved badge holders will be available for collection from Cunninghame House. Until a holder is issued, drivers should continue to display or carry their badge in accordance with the existing arrangements.

Drivers must notify the Licensing Authority within seven days if they receive a Recorded Police Warning or Anti-Social Behaviour Fixed Penalty Notice.

Drivers must also keep their current mobile telephone number and email address updated with the Licensing Authority.

A taxi or private hire car vehicle licence is required for any vehicle to be used as a licensed taxi or private hire car in North Ayrshire. The vehicle must meet our vehicle specification and pass our vehicle inspection before the application can be granted.

Apply for an:

Taxi/Private Hire Car specification document, please read the:

• Taxi guidance document
• Private hire car guidance document

Substitute a vehicle

To substitute a vehicle used as a taxi, please apply for a:

Change of vehicle registration

To update the registration of your licensed vehicle, apply for a:

Taxi zones

Taxis can only operate within one area in North Ayrshire. In your application, specify which area you wish your taxi to operate in. We operate a limit to the number of taxis in each taxi zone. Contact us to find out about availability.

Next stages

We will contact you to organise an inspection of your vehicle to ensure it is fit for purpose. If your vehicle fails the inspection, it must pass a re-test before the application can be granted or the vehicle can continue to be used as a licensed taxi or private hire car. We only consider applications once the vehicle has passed its inspection.

Applications advertised on this website for 28 days allow the public to make any objections or representations. We consult on all licence applications with Police Scotland.

If there is any comment from the public, Police Scotland or any council department, you will be told, and your application will be referred to the Licensing Committee for a decision. If the Committee decides to have a hearing, you will be invited to that and you will be able to speak to the Committee. The majority of applications do not need a hearing and are granted by council officers.

Applications may take six to eight weeks to process. If you haven't heard from the Licensing Office within a reasonable period, please contact us.

Licence conditions

Depending on the type of vehicle licence, the licence will be subject to one of the following sets of conditions:

• Taxi Licence conditions document
• Private Hire Car Licence conditions document
• Taxi Licence conditions for wheelchair accessible vehicles document

Advertising

Taxis and wheelchair accessible taxis may display advertising, provided the advertising complies with the licence conditions.

Advertising must not obscure the roof sign, plates or window notices. It must not be displayed on the roof, front grille or front bumper. Advertising on windows must not exceed the permitted window obstruction allowance.

Private hire cars must not display advertising, other than signs approved by the Licensing Authority for identifying the vehicle as a private hire car.

Fire extinguishers

The requirement to carry a fire extinguisher has been removed. Licence holders may continue to carry one if they wish, but it is not a licence condition or vehicle inspection requirement.

Fare scales

The current scales of fares and charges must continue to be displayed prominently in the vehicle where required. This must be clearly visible to passengers. This doesn't apply to private hire cars where no taximeter is fitted.

Contact details and notifications

Licence holders must:

• keep their current mobile telephone number and email address updated with the Licensing Authority
• notify the Licensing Authority within seven days if they receive a Recorded Police Warning or Anti-Social Behaviour Fixed Penalty Notice

Vehicle specification and inspection standards

We can only grant or renew a taxi or private hire car vehicle licence if it is satisfied that the vehicle is suitable in type, size and design, safe for use as a taxi or private hire car, and appropriately insured.

Any vehicle to be used as a taxi or private hire car must meet our vehicle specification and vehicle inspection standards.

Our vehicle inspection is separate from, and in addition to, the normal MOT test. Vehicle inspections will be carried out in accordance with the vehicle inspection guidance approved by the Licensing Committee.

The guidance includes requirements relating to vehicle condition, plates, signage, advertising, display of fare scales and driver identification badge holders.

You will need this licence to run a Booking Office for Taxis or Private Hire Cars (PHC) if you take bookings for four or more vehicles.

How to apply

Before applying, please read our Tax Rules for Licences and Guidance Notes. These notes explain how to complete the application form and the policies and legislation surrounding this licence.

1. Download a booking office application.
2. Refer to booking office guidance.
3. Return completed application to us with the appropriate fee.

Next stages

When we have received your application and fee:

• you will have to display a 'Notice of display' at, or near, the Premises
• applications advertised on this website allow the public to make any objections or representations

If there are no objections or representations, and if your Application is within the Council's Policy, the Application can be granted under 'delegated powers'. This means that the decision to grant the Licence is made by an officer with delegated powers.

If there is any adverse comment, the application must be referred to a Hearing of the Licensing Committee. You will be told about the Hearing and will be able to make representations in favour of your application.

Licence length

If granted, the licence will last for three years, unless the Committee decides on a shorter period. Your licence will state the date it expires. If you apply for renewal before then, you can continue trading (even after that date) for as long as it takes for the council to deal with your renewal.

Licence conditions

The licence is subject to the Standard Conditions.