Vehicle inspections
Vehicle inspections need to be carried out annually for vehicles which are less than 5 years old. Vehicles over 5 years old will require to undergo an inspection every 6 months.
Items tested
Items included in the Taxi and Private Hire Car inspections fall into two groups:
Safety aspects
Any item in this group is expected to reach the MOT standard where applicable and will otherwise be judged by the examiner on the basis of being safe with respect to the carrying of passengers for hire and reward
Appearance and utility standards
This covers both the interior and exterior of the vehicle.
Interior checks include:
- upholstery
- internal bodywork
- door and window controls
- heaters
- luggage security
- fire extinguisher – 1kg Dry Powder, suitably fastened and maintained
- first aid kit compliant with the Road Vehicles (Construction and use) Regulations 1986 Schedule 7
- interior lights
- carpets and mats
Exterior checks include:
- bodywork
- paint finish and decorative or functional trims
- glazing
- door, bonnet and boot lid hinges, handles and locks
- any roof rack or roof box
- roof sign
- wheels and trims