Does your vehicle need a PHV Licence?

‘For hire’

TfL takes the position that if there is an element of commercial benefit to an arrangement then the vehicle is ‘for hire’ and private hire licensing requirements apply. The fact that a payment may be made for a package of goods or services, of which being driven between two points is only one aspect, should not preclude the journey from being covered by private hire legislation.

​Ambulances​

It is not the intention of TfL to license those vehicles that provide a genuine specialist or emergency service. PCO Notice 02/08 defines the criteria that may exempt the vehicle from being licensed as a PHV. Ambulances in the NHS, private, local authority, military and voluntary sectors that comply with these definitions will not require to be licensed.

If you are in any doubt about whether or not you need to be licensed you are advised to obtain your own legal advice.