We will remind you when it’s time to renew your vehicle licence, but it’s your responsibility to apply to renew it before the current licence expires. We recommend that you submit your application at least four weeks before your licence expires.
Before you apply to renew your licence, you should:
- read and understand our taxi licensing policy and handbook
- check the taxi vehicle requirements
- check our taxi licensing fees
Vehicle licences expire after 12 months. You must get your vehicle tested at our garage in Waterbeach before we issue a licence, and again after six months.
Only one proprietor needs to submit a renewal application – you will be asked to declare that you are doing so with the knowledge and consent of all other named proprietors.
If you are not currently a licensed driver with Cambridge City Council, you must register as a non-driver proprietor.
Application process
You can apply to renew your licence on our online portal, including uploading documents and paying associated fees. Read our taxi licensing fees page to check the costs associated with your application.
There are no exemptions to bypass any steps of the process. We will send you emails through the portal if we need any further information from you.
We will issue your licence and plates when:
- you have completed all steps of the renewal application process
- you have paid all associated fees
- we have assessed and approved your application
- we have received your valid certificate of compliance from the garage
We will issue the vehicle licence in the names of all proprietors, and will send it to the lead proprietor.
Step 1: Book the first vehicle test
You can book your vehicle test up to four weeks before your licence expires. We encourage you to do so at least two weeks before the expiry date.
You will need to tell us your test date as part of your application on the portal.
Contact our Waterbeach garage on 01223 458266 to book the test. Appointments are available from 6.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. You will need to provide the vehicle’s registration number, make and model.
When you have booked your vehicle test, you should submit your application as soon as you can. Do not wait until you receive your certificate of compliance.
Step 2: Submit your application
In the portal, select the renewal type as detailed on the email you received prompting you to renew. We will decline any incorrect applications and refund the fee, and you will need to submit a new application.
You must upload a copy of a valid insurance certificate covering appropriate use by this vehicle. It must cover the start date of the licence.
You will also need to provide your vehicle test date.
You need an account to use the portal – you must register if you do not have one. Read our licensing portal guidance to learn how to use the portal, and contact us if you have any problems using it
Step 3: Attend the first vehicle test
Tests take place at our garage on the Dickerson Industrial Estate on Ely Road in Waterbeach.
When your vehicle passes the test, the garage will give you a certificate of compliance. They will send a copy to us, which will complete your renewal process. The certificate will be valid for six months minus one day, from the date of the test.
You must pay the test fee to the garage. You must book a second test to take place before the certificate expires.
If you do not attend the appointment or cancel less than 24 hours before it is due to start, you might be charged the test fee.
Your vehicle must be clean inside and out. Dirty vehicles will not be examined and you will still have to pay the test fee.
Failed tests
If your vehicle fails the test, the garage will give you a failure sheet listing the non-compliant areas that you must address.
Book a retest to take place after the repairs. This must happen within 10 days of the initial test, or you will need to book a full test instead of a retest.
You must not use the vehicle without a valid certificate of compliance. If you fail a test, we will suspend your taxi vehicle licence and remove your licence plates until you have a valid certificate.
Step 4: Receive your vehicle licence
When we have deemed your application is complete and we have received your certificate from the garage, we will send your licence and plates by second class post.
If you have submitted a late application, it might not arrive before your current licence expires. If this happens, you must not drive your vehicle until you have your new licence and plates.
Contact us if you submitted your application in time but have not received your licence at least three days before its expiry date.
Displaying your licence plates
You must display your new plates as soon as you receive them and destroy your existing plates.
Step 5: The second vehicle test
You must have your vehicle retested before your current certificate of compliance expires.
You should have booked your second test at the time of your first test. Contact the garage if you want to cancel or rearrange a test.
When your vehicle passes the test, the garage will give you a new certificate of compliance and send a copy to us. The certificate will be valid until the expiry date on your vehicle licence.
If your vehicle fails the test, the process is the same as if you failed the first test.
Changes in your circumstances
Contact us if your details change.
