To license a private hire vehicle, two licences are required.
- Each vehicle must have a private hire vehicle licence which you can apply for below
- and every driver of those licensed vehicles must have a private hire driver licence
- In addition, all self employed and employer private hire businesses must hold a private hire operator licence.
Cornwall Council requires vehicles to meet certain specifications and conditions before they are licensed. Vehicles are also required to be tested at one of the Council's approved garages.
There are separate conditions for hackney carriage vehicles and separate conditions for private hire vehicles.
If you are unsure whether your vehicle will meet will meet the specifications and conditions, please contact Licensing Services.
How to apply for a licence
Before you apply, we recommend that you contact the licensing office in the area you plan to work, to ensure that you receive the correct advice.
Apply for a Private Hire Vehicle Licence
View the full list of taxi licence fees
Taxi and Private Hire Forums
The Licensing Service holds Taxi and Private Hire Forums across Cornwall.
Drivers, proprietors and operators are encouraged to attend the forums to ensure that they are kept up to date with any changes in taxi licensing as well as providing an opportunity for the trade to raise any issues.
Further forums will be held across Cornwall and these will be published once dates and venues are confirmed.
Please ensure you contact the relevant officer shown above to confirm a place at the forum and let us know if you have any items to be included on the agenda.