West Lothian Council delivers

Licences - private hire vehicle operator

 

The majority of Private Hire Cars (PHCs) within West Lothian will require to be licensed.  However, cars used exclusively for wedding and funerals or used to carry passengers under a contract for its exclusive hire for a period of not less than 24 hours are exempt from the licensing requirements. Anyone may apply for a PHC licence, and subject to a mandatory background check and a suitable vehicle being certified as complying with the private hire conditions, a licence may be granted.

The council revised its policy in relation to suitable PHC vehicles in November 2009.  Any vehicles being licensed or replaced must now comply with the specification in that policy. Non compliant vehicles will be phased out by 31 January 2015.

The specification for PHC vehicles is attached to the guidance notes with the application form below.  Please read the guidance notes and the private hire licence conditions which are both available to download below before completing and lodging your application.

Applications must be determined by the council within 6 months of receipt. However, most applications are dealt with in a shorter period.

Licence fees:

• Initial grant (one year) £305.00
• Renewal (one year) £291.00

Updated: 09/01/12