Taxi Driver Online

Not particularly exciting. And unclear whether this is being done because of dodgy MoT stations, or whatever, or whether they want to do the council taxi compliance stuff twice a year instead of only once

But looks like they've been doing an in-house annual MoT and compliance test at the same time, with a six-monthly standard MoT from thirdy party garages.

But now the third party garages won't be involved at all, and it'll be a six-monthy in-house MoT and taxi compliance test...


Changes to taxi and private hire vehicle testing to strengthen passenger safety

https://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/ ... ger_safety

Friday, 30 January 2026

We're updating our Private Hire and Hackney Carriage Policy that will require all eligible licensed vehicles to complete their 6-monthly MOT at a council-designated depot.

The proposal was agreed by Full Council on Thursday 29 January and will mean that, rather than attending any MOT testing station, licensed vehicles will undergo their 6-monthly MOT at one of our approved depots. This brings the 6-monthly MOT in line with the annual compliance testing we already carry out.

By using council-controlled depots, all licensed vehicles are inspected to the same standard, reducing variation in testing practices and strengthening compliance, which will safeguard both passengers and drivers.

In the future, this will allow our depots to be able to carry out licensing compliance checks immediately following the MOT. This allows officers to identify and address any issues relating to passenger safety — such as signage, CCTV or accessibility features — before a vehicle returns to service.

Councillor Tracey Wye, our Executive Member for Sustainability and Climate Resilience, said:

The safety of passengers and drivers is our top priority. By carrying out 6-monthly MOTs at council-designated depots, we can ensure every licensed vehicle is tested to the same high standard and meets both national and local safety requirements. This change provides greater consistency, stronger oversight and added reassurance for everyone who relies on taxis and private hire vehicles across Central Bedfordshire.

We will continue to work with the private hire and hackney carriage trade to ensure the implementation of the new arrangements is clear and well communicated.