If you believe the vehicle is of exceptional condition, you must provide along with the application form a report from an independent automobile engineer, indicating the vehicle is in immaculate condition. This report will be available from any reputable garage. Upon receipt of the application, one of the licensing officers will inspect the vehicle and make an assessment. Should the vehicle meet the exception condition standards, the renewal would be granted for 1 year, subject to the vehicle undertaking a 6 monthly compliance check.

Licence applications for vehicles in “exceptional condition” which are outside of the Council’s policy, for example by age and type of vehicle, will be subject to additional checks relevant to the type of vehicle. Applicants must provide an independent automobile engineer’s report for vehicles outside of the Council’s age restrictions to indicate that the vehicle is in immaculate condition. This report is in addition to the Council’s mechanical inspection. An additional fee will be charged for vehicles outside of the Council’s policies to cover additional administration (See Schedule of Fees).

Fee’s are being looked at currently and will be subject to further consultation, therefore we have to base our fees on the current approved schedule. No fee at present will be charged to cover additional administration.

This report is in addition to the Council’s mechanical inspection. An additional fee will be charged for vehicles outside of the Council’s policies to cover additional administration. (There is no indication of what such charges are likely to be)
Would the council like to inform us as to who is the “independent automobile engineer” and what admin fees will be levied on such application?, what is an “automobile engineer” if not an MOT test station, or will LDC move testing to the VOSA test station located in the town?
Alternatively will a RAC or AA engineers report be accepted?
The existing requirements require an “exceptional condition” examination and 2 extra tests per year at circa £85 per test, will this change?

It is essential that older vehicles meet all safety requirements and are of the required standard for a taxi or private hire vehicle.
The revised fees will be published and the trade will have an opportunity to respond

This is the council’s appointed testing station.
The revised fees will be published and the trade will have an opportunity to respond

So what is the situation now?

Have they licensed you?

5. The following upper age limits apply:

No vehicle licence will be renewed on any vehicle that is of seven years of age or more or ten years old for purpose built vehicles.




6. All new or replacement vehicles to have M1 whole type approval except in exceptional circumstances. Those vehicles without M1 whole type approval will be considered individually.

7. Licence applications for vehicles in “exceptional condition” which are outside of the Council’s policy, for example by age and type of vehicle, will be subject to additional checks relevant to the type of vehicle. Applicants must provide an independent automobile engineer’s report for vehicles outside of the Council’s age restrictions to indicate that the vehicle is in immaculate condition. This report is in addition to the

Council’s mechanical inspection. An additional fee will be charged for vehicles outside of the Council’s policies to cover additional administration (See Schedule of
Fees).

We have 3 plate types..

Hackney
Private Hire
Special Events

There's been a number of threads on here over the years regarding the age limits.

I had an issue with Shepway a few years back, maybe 2012 and appealed to magistrates court. The council withdrew and let me continue with my immaculate 55 reg Chrysler Voyager for another 4 years until the cam belt failed.

I understand there's been cases heard at much higher levels that make it reliant on the condition of the vehicle, not just a statutory age limit. If they refuse to issue a licence, appeal in the magistrates court.

plus 1 i hadnt seen before (only on the charges/fees list tho)

"limousine"