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 care

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 Standard Conditions, incorporating the Taxi Driver - Standards of Dress (revised August 2024).

Apply for an:

Taxi/PHC 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. The council operates 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 sit a re-test. 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 licence, it is subject to one of the relevant following Standard Conditions:

• Taxi Licence conditions document
• Private Hire Car Licence conditions document
• Taxi Licence (wheelchair) conditions document

Vehicle specification and inspection standards

Under law, the council can only grant a Taxi or Private Hire Car Licence if the vehicle is suitable and safe.

Any vehicle to be used on a Taxi or Private Hire Car Licence must meet two standards:

• the council's vehicle specification
• a mechanical test at the council's garage (in addition to the normal MOT test)

View the inspection standards document the council garage uses.

The same inspection standards apply to any vehicle which the operator wants to substitute on the licence.

They also apply when the vehicle is tested under the licence conditions:

• a vehicle needs to be tested no more than 12 months after its last test, as long as the vehicle is under five years old
• when the vehicle reaches five years old, the tests are every six months
• the age of a vehicle is counted from its first registration at the DVLA

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.