Requirements relating to the age and size of vehicle
The requirements set out in the National Vehicle Standards relating to the age and size of vehicle are being phased in between 2009 and 2012.
- Since 1st January 2009, new taxi and hackney vehicle licences have been issued only for vehicles that are less than nine years old and that meet the specified size requirements for seating and luggage capacity. Any change of vehicle on such a licence must be onto a vehicle that meets the same criteria. Vehicles on these licences must be less than nine years old at each renewal. Note that these requirements do not apply to licences for wheelchair accessible vehicles or limousines. Licence numbers started from 45,001 on 1st January 2009 for ease of identification.
- From their renewal date in 2011, all taxi and hackney licences (irrespective of when they were first issued) may be associated only with vehicles that are less than nine years old.
- From their renewal date in 2012, all taxi and hackney licences (irrespective of when they were first issued) may be associated only with vehicles that fully meet the vehicle standards (vehicle age, size and specification).
- The age of the vehicle is calculated from the exact date on which it was first registered (day, month and year). If the vehicle was imported, the age is calculated from the date on which it was originally registered in its country of origin. You must check this date (on the Vehicle Licensing Certificate) before applying to have the licence transferred – the year shown on the vehicle’s number plate is not an accurate enough indicator of the vehicle’s exact age.
The Commission has produced a model report for each of the most popular models of vehicle, and this indicates whether or not the vehicle meets the requirements.
PLEASE NOTE: Before you purchase any car that you intend to use as an SPSV, you are strongly advised to read the relevant model report and the National Vehicle Standards document to satisfy yourself that the vehicle is suitable. If there is no model report for the vehicle you are considering, you should contact the Commission for advice.
Wheelchair accessible vehicles must meet new standards for new licences issued since June 2010. Please ensure that you fully understand the new test requirements when looking at any vehicle .
Vehicle licence holders are strongly encouraged to meet the new standards as soon as possible. In particular, the Commission advises licence holders who are changing their vehicles that, in order to protect their investment, they should ensure that any replacement will comply with the new standards at licence renewal during 2011 (age) and 2012 (size).
Further information
Model reports are available here.