Private Hire Vehicles Information

Private hire vehicles (or minicabs) are taxis which cannot ply for hire or stand in a rank. They must be pre-booked with a private hire operator i.e. through the operator usually by telephone.

The vehicles have door signs which state "Advanced bookings only". They have a yellow plate affixed to the rear and a smaller version affixed to the windscreen which carry details of the expiry date, licence number and vehicle registration. These vehicles are not insured to ply for hire.

Private hire vehicles have a maximum of eight passenger seats.

Private hire vehicle (minicab) licensing

There are three types of private hire licence:

Licence for a private hire vehicle/minicab

• Private Hire Vehicle Licence application form
  
• Application guidance notes for Private Hire Vehicle Licence
• Private Hire Vehicle Licence Conditions
  

Licence for a private hire vehicle/minicab driver

• Private Hire Driver's Licence Application form
• Application guidance notes for Private Hire Driver's Licence
• Private Hire Driver's Medical Form
• Private Hire Driver's Licence Conditions
  

Licence for a private hire vehicle/minicab operator

• Private Hire Operators Licence Application form
  
• Private Hire Operator's Licence Conditions
  

Information on private hire vehicles, drivers and operators that are licensed to operate in the Ribble Valley can be found on the licensing Public Regitser.

Infringement Scheme

The Council has an Infringement Points Scheme in place. This scheme will apply to all private hire (and hackney carriage) drivers and vehicles, and operators that are licensed by the Ribble Valley Borough Council.