All taxis (hackney carriages) and private hire vehicles must pass an inspection carried out by an authorised mechanic before a vehicle can be licensed.
Vehicle Age Policy
To ensure that all operating vehicles are in exceptional conditional and remain safe for the use of the general public, we have:
- an age limit for vehicles to be granted a new licence
- a requirement for regular testing of the vehicle
For more information, read the Vehicle Age Policy.
New vehicle applications
At date of application, if your vehicle is 4 years of age or older, it will not be licensed as a taxi (hackney carriage) or private hire vehicle.
When to get your vehicle inspected
When your vehicle turns 4 years of age, you will need a vehicle test within 4 months of the vehicle licence date.
You will then need to get a:
- vehicle test every 4 months
- yearly renewal test
It is your responsibility to make sure these tests are completed every 4 months, in line with your plate renewal dates.
You may only present tests 28 days in advance of the due date of your test. Vehicle tests are only valid for 28 days.
Vehicles not tested in accordance with this policy will be suspended and/or revoked.
Authorised garages
We have an authorised testing centre that will carry out the necessary inspections.
No other garage or MOT centre is authorised to carry out these tests.
To book, please contact the garage directly.
AWS Motor Services Ltd
Solway Road, Solway House
Workington
CA14 3XH
Telephone: 01900 702 863