Private Hire Vehicles

It is very important for safety reasons that members of the public do not get into any vehicle that they think is a private hire vehicle unless it has the appropriate signs/plates displayed;  and the driver is wearing the correct driver's badge.

All licensed private hire vehicles must display permanently affixed licence plates on the front and rear of the vehicle. They must also display stickers on each rear door which passengers use to get into the vehicle, and which bear the words ‘Licensed For Pre-Booked Journeys only’.

There is no limit on private hire vehicle licences in the Borough.

Licensing Policy

With effect from 16 August 2023 the following changes will apply to the Licensing Policy:

• There will be no age limit when submitting a new or vehicle change application; however the vehicle must be emission compliant (Euro 4 Petrol or Euro 6 Diesel)
• No vehicle will be licensed if it has been written off in categories A or B
• Vehicles that have been written off in categories S and N will be permitted to be licensed providing the application is accompanied by a satisfactory AutoLIGN inspection report and certificate
• The specification for window tints will now apply when submitting a new or vehicle change application and is as follows:
  • Front windscreen – min. 75% light transmission
  • Front side door glass – min. 70% light transmission
  • Remaining glass or rear side windows (exc. Rear window) - allow manufacturer’s tint to a minimum 20% light transmission.

Making an Application

Applicants are advised to read through and familiarise themselves with the current policy, eligibility criteria and the conditions which are attached to all vehicle licences prior to submitting an application. Failure to do so could lead to an application being rejected or refused.

As part of the application process the Licensing Team will begin carrying out a comprehensive check to verify vehicle details. 

Renewal applications can be made up to 8 weeks prior to the expiry date. Applicants are advised to submit an application at least 3 weeks prior to the expiry date.

The process for making an application is as follows:

• Complete application form
• Pay Application Fee (fees and charges)
• Email your completed application to the Licensing Team with the relevant supporting documents:
  • Vehicle Log Book (V5c) (mandatory)
  • Bill of Sale (mandatory, except for renewal applications)
  • Vehicle Insurance (mandatory for renewal applications, but can follow for new to fleet applications)
  • Basic Disclosure (external link) (if applicable).  If you are not currently a licensed private hire or hackney carriage driver you will be required to provide evidence of a Basic Disclosure at the time of application.

If you are applying to transfer a licence from one proprietor to another, the above should also be accompanied by a consent form (see below):

• Consent Form (to completed by each of the existing proprietors) (mandatory)

If you are applying to change the vehicle registration on an existing licensed vehicle, the above (with the exception of a bill of sale) should also be accompanied by proof of the change of registration from DVLA.

Application Timescales

We aim to acknowledge receipt of your application within 5-10 working days (subject to receipt of a complete application). The timescales only begin on receipt of a completed application, including all the required documents and the relevant payment.

Failure to submit a completed application, including supporting documents and the appropriate fee, within 5 working days from the initial contact, will result in an application being rejected.

You will be emailed a time and date for your vehicle to be inspected.

We aim to determine an application within 2-3 workings days of a satisfactory vehicle inspection result (providing we are in receipt of valid insurance).

Vehicle Inspections

Before a licence can be issued, vehicles must be tested to make sure that they are mechanically fit, safe and comfortable.

• View Vehicle Inspection sheet.

You cannot currently book your own vehicle inspection.

Your vehicle must be disinfected before it's presented for inspection at the council’s Makerfield Way Depot.

If your vehicle fails a vehicle inspection or is booked as a non-arrival a further fee will be payable. Includes retests 

Cancel or Change a Vehicle Inspection

To cancel or change an appointment that has already been booked please  email the Licensing Team at your earliest convenience.  All appointments must be cancelled or changed a minimum of 24 hours in advance, not including weekends and bank holidays. Failure to do so could incur additional costs.  Includes retests 

Check a Vehicle Inspection Appointment

You can check and confirm the date and time of any future inspection that has already been booked. You will need your full vehicle registration to confirm this information and details can be found at:

• Check a Vehicle Inspection Appointment

Paying for a Vehicle Inspection (fees and charges)

• Pay for a Vehicle Re-test - Your vehicle has failed a previous test(s)
• Pay for a Full Vehicle Inspection - Your vehicle has been suspended by a Licensing Enforcement Officer, or your vehicle failed to arrive at the appointed time (including retests).

Licence Conditions

• View vehicle conditions.

Front and Rear Licence Plates

All vehicles must display both front and rear licence plates, and they must be displayed in the authorised plate holders, obtained from the Licensing Department.

To purchase a plate holder a fee of £15.00 is payable, per holder and these can be paid for at Pay for Plate Holder.

Report a Vehicle Accident

As the proprietor of a private hire vehicle licensed by Wigan Council, you must report any accident causing damage materially affecting the safety, performance or appearance of the vehicle or the comfort or convenience of persons carried in the vehicle.

All accidents should be reported within 72 hours of the accident, in accordance with the provisions of the Road Traffic Act 1988.

• Report a Vehicle Accident.

Complaints

If you wish to make a complaint in relation to a hackney carriage vehicle, you can:  

• Make a licensing complaint as a Wigan Borough resident by registering / logging into MyAccount
• Make a licensing complaint as a non-resident.

Please provide details of the vehicle including vehicle registration or plate number.

Protective Screens

Any addition of a ‘screen’ to a licensed vehicle would not form part of the standard requirements and conditions, and therefore will not be examined as part of the inspection.

Wigan Council would not accept liability in circumstances where a screen has caused injury to a passenger or the driver, as we do not recommend or approve the addition of a screen in licensed vehicles.

Further guidance can be found at Safety Screens for Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (external link).

Public register

We maintain a public register of all current private hire vehicle licences.  This is updated on a regular basis.