Transport for LondonInspections
You will have to get your taxi inspected annually, as well as a mid-year safety inspection. You might also have an on-street inspection.
Annual inspections
SGS will write to you about 30 days before your taxi needs to have its next annual inspection. They will follow the guidelines found in the Taxi Vehicle Inspection Manual (PDF 948KB). We updated this on 7 November 2007 and amended the information about the inspection of taxi wheelchair ramps (section L2).
It will cost you £178 each time you have this inspection.
You don't have to get a separate MOT certificate
You don't need a separate MOT certificate for your taxi once you have got your vehicle licence as the process is so thorough.
Taxis passing inspection
If you pass they will give you two five-digit licence plates (you get a new one with each inspection). Fix the larger plate to the rear of the vehicle and the smaller one in the passenger compartment.
Taxis failing inspection
If your taxi fails the inspection you'll be given a fail notice. You must then have your taxi inspected again at a later date to check that any remedial work has been carried out. This later re-inspection is free.
If your taxi fails both the initial inspection and re-inspection, you will need to make another application and pay the full fee of £178 again.
Mid-year inspections
All taxis licensed after 2 April 2007 will need to pass a mid-year safety inspection. Download the full information about the five stages of the mid-year inspection (PDF 57KB).
Mid-year inspections aim to improve first time pass rates at annual inspections
The aim of this inspection is to:
- Improve first-time pass-rates at the annual inspection
- Raise standards by introducing a consistent approach to safety inspections
- Reduce pollution by improving the overall condition of taxis
If you pass the inspection you'll keep your plates and number and can just go straight back to work. If you fail you can't use your taxi until the problems have been fixed.
On-street inspections
Public Carriage Examiners may carry out an on-street inspection of your taxi.
If your taxi fails an on-street inspection you will be issued with an 'Unfit' notice and your vehicle may not be used as a licensed taxi. If this happens you should:
- Get repairs done
- Call 0845 378 2345 and make an appointment to have the taxi and repairs checked by SGS
If SGS are satisfied with the repairs your Unfit status will be removed and you can start operating again immediately.
Further information
For further information about inspections contact the PCO by emailing enquiries@pco.org.uk or by calling the Taxi Delivery and Contract Management team on 020 7126 1638.
