FAQs
You must still have your MOT done for when it is due, and then your first Safety and Standards inspection will be due six months after that. If you had an MOT test on or before 31 August then you will only need to have a pre-licence inspection carried out as part of the renewal application. If you already have an MOT test booked in early September then you should discuss this with the Licensing Team in the first instance to find out whether you will need to have a Safety and Standards Inspection carried out instead. In any case, you will also need to have a pre-licence inspection carried out as part of the renewal application. All bookings will need to be made using the online booking systems on our website. You will be able to book your Safety and Standards Inspections using a dedicated form, so that you can easily access it at the appropriate time. Because pre-licence inspections will only be required when applying for a licence, you will be able to book your inspection within the existing licence application form. The forms will be going live very soon, so please check back on our website periodically… The costs of the pre-licence inspections are included within the licence application fees. You will not therefore have to pay any extra costs for this inspection. The Safety and Standards Inspections will cost £45. We will also not be charging for re-inspections (i.e. following failure), but may introduce a charge for these at a later date should the need arise, for example, if the failure rate is high. Payment for the Safety and Standards Inspections will need to be made at the time of booking, using the online form. You do not need to pay for pre-licence inspections, as these are included within the licence application fees. Initially, inspections will be available from Monday to Thursday between 08:00 to 12:00, but these times will be kept under review. You can apply to renew your licence and book your pre-licence inspection in the 90 days leading up to your licence expiry date, however your inspection must be booked to take place during the 30 days prior to your licence expiring. You will be able to book your Safety and Standards Inspection up to 90 days before it is due, but the inspection must take place in the 30 days before it is due. Any action will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the Licensing Officers, but it is likely to result in you being unable to work; either because of your licence not being issued/renewed, or it being suspended. Yes! You will need to ensure that your vehicle is in tip-top condition inside and out, that it would pass an MOT test, and that you are fully compliant with all policy requirements. You will also need to ensure that your licensed driver badge, the fire extinguisher and first aid kit are placed on the front passenger seat for the workshop technicians to check. If your vehicle has a meter fitted, you must also place the tariff card on the front passenger seat. You will need to ensure your vehicle meets the criteria of the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Policy, and that the fire extinguisher, first aid kit, tariff card and top sign (unless it is an integrated top sign) are placed on the front passenger seat. Before we could issue a licence, you would need to: After your licence is granted, you would also need to pass a Safety and Standards inspection annually, starting from 6 months after the MOT date. Yes, although as a DVSA approved MOT test centre with state-of-the-art facilities, you are welcome to have your MOT tests, repairs and servicing carried out by Rosherville Servicing at the Brookvale Depot. The workshop technicians will complete your inspections on a digital form. Once complete, the technicians will let you know their findings for your information, and the inspection form will be sent to the Licensing Team. Once the Licensing Officers are satisfied that the vehicle is safe and compliant, they will update their systems and, where applicable, process your licence application. Any failed elements will need to be rectified and re-inspected until your vehicle is fully compliant. If the failing is significant or presents a risk to safety then the Licensing Team may suspend your licence until the issue is resolved. Whilst, as locally licenced drivers, we hope you already know this, for the avoidance of doubt, the Brookvale Depot is located on Springhead Road, Northfleet, DA11 8HW. The site is accessed off Springhead Road immediately north of Northfleet Cemetery. Please bring your booking reference number. When arriving at Brookvale Depot, drive forwards then turn left through the gates immediately after the main building and park in one of visitor’s bays on the right hand side (What3words – blocks.offers.gasp). Go to main reception where you can telephone Rosherville, on 01474 337325 to get booked in. A member of the Rosherville team will come to meet you and direct you to the waiting room, whilst they carry out your inspection. Please do not drive past the depot car park.
My current 6 month MOT is due before 31 August 2022, what should I do?
My vehicle licence is due for renewal in September 2022; do I need to get an inspection?
How do I book?
How much will the inspections cost?
How do I pay?
When can I have my inspection?
How long do the inspections take?
How far in advance can I apply to renew my vehicle licence and book my pre-licence inspection?
How far in advance can I book my Safety and Standards Inspection?
What will happen if I don’t have my inspections carried out?
Do I need to do anything to my vehicle before the renewal inspection?
I am licensing a new Hackney Carriage vehicle, what do I need for my first inspection?
I have bought a vehicle that is under 3 years old; what inspections do I need?
Can I still have my annual MOT tests, services and repairs carried out at an authorised garage of my choosing?
What will I need to do after attending my inspections?
What if I fail my inspection?
Where is Brookvale Depot?
What should I do when I arrive for an inspection?