Booking with Transport for London (TfL)
The quickest and easiest way to book your vehicle inspection is through your TfL online customer account. Online booking is available 24/7 for you to arrange an appointment at a date, time and location that suits you from one of the following Vehicle Inspection Garage Sites which are now open after a 6-month temporary closure due to COVID-19.
Source: http://content.tfl.gov.uk/nsl-inspection-sites-address-list.pdf
You can also cancel or reschedule your appointment online.
Click here to book a vehicle inspection using your TfL online customer account.
HINT: If you have previously applied for or renewed your driver licence online, you will have an online account already set up.
If you do not already have a TfL online customer account, you can create one by clicking here.
HINT: You should receive a letter confirming your unique customer account details as part of your renewal pack. These same details must be used to create your online account.
TOP TIP: Private hire regulations have recently changed. Make sure you’re familiar with the changes before submitting your application by clicking here.
Booking outside of London
Your private hire vehicle will need to be inspected and licensed by your local council. Click here to find and contact your local council.
For TfL vehicle inspections they state that you will need to take the following documentation to your appointment:
For inspections elsewhere in the UK, your local council should be able to provide you with a list of the necessary documentation.
With Transport for London you’ll need a vehicle inspection yearly as private hire licences, and therefore vehicle inspection reports, are valid for a period of 12 months.
If you’re outside of London it is up to your local council how often your vehicle is inspected, but they can’t test any more than three times a year.
In London, a private hire vehicle inspection costs a total of £140. Outside of London, again this varies on your local council. Contact them for more information on pricing.
Transport for London states that if you need to get your vehicle re-tested, you can do that free at one of the vehicle inspection centres within 28 days. If you fail an annual licensing inspection, or in the event of your application being abandoned without giving 24 hours notice, you will be entitled to a refund of the grant of licence fee portion only (£56). No refund will be given to that part of the fee relating to the application (£84).
If you’re outside of London, you must fix any problems within 2 months of failing a test. But do check with your local authority for more detail.
Sources:
http://content.tfl.gov.uk/nsl-inspection-sites-address-list.pdf
https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/taxis-and-private-hire/licensing/private-hire-vehicle-licence
http://content.tfl.gov.uk/what-to-do-if-your-taxi-fails-an-inspection.pdf
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/vehicle-owners-to-be-granted-mot-exemption-in-battle-against-coronavirus
http://content.tfl.gov.uk/05-20-tph-notice-coronavirus-update-3.pdf
https://www.gov.uk/taxi-vehicle-licence
https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council