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1. The application form (51Kb PDF) must be completed and signed.  It should be noted that if an applicant proposes to operate a Private Hire Vehicle from an address within the Borough of Bournemouth, other than with an existing licensed Operator, application (56 Kb PDF) should also be made for a Private Hire Operator’s Licence on the appropriate form.
2. The completed application form(s) should be presented by prior appointment, to the Public Carriage Inspector at the Town Hall, Bournemouth and fees paid on presentation of the completed form(s).
3. An appointment should then be made for the vehicle to be presented at the Transport Department for mechanical inspection.  A vehicle may not be used for private hire purposes until the Authorised Examiner has issued a Roadworthiness Certificate, which will remain in force for 12 months followed by annual inspection. In addition the vehicle must be examined in the interim 6 months period – in affect the vehicle is examined every 6 months.
   NOTE: No Private Hire Vehicle may be in whole, or in part, coloured black or yellow.
4. The applicant will be required to produce to the Vehicle Examiner the Registration Certificate and Certificate or Cover Note of insurance on which the use of the vehicle for private hire purposes is specifically endorsed.  The usual endorsement for use in connection with the policyholder’s business will not suffice.
5. Fitting of fare meters in Private Hire vehicles is not mandatory but if it is proposed to install a meter it must be tested for accuracy to the current Hackney Carriage fare Scale before being taken into use.
6. The Roadworthiness Certificate should be presented to the Public Carriage Inspector who will issue a private hire plate which must be affixed in the approved position to the body of the vehicle above the rear bumper.
7. It is mandatory to equip the vehicle with a fire extinguisher.