Taxi and Private Hire Car Licences
West Lothian Council as licensing authority administers a licensing scheme for taxi and private hire car vehicles and their drivers.
The Licensing Team are able to provide general guidance on the scheme but cannot assist you to complete your application form or provide legal advice on whether a licence is required. You should seek legal advice from a solicitor or advice centre if you are unsure as to whether you require a licence.
What is the difference between a taxi and a private hire car?
Taxis can be hired at a taxi rank, hailed in the street or booked in advance through a booking office. Along with licence plates which are fixed to the front and rear of the vehicle, taxis must also display a roof sign when illuminated indicates the vehicle is available for hire.
Private hire cars must be booked in advance and along with licence plates which are fixed to the front and rear of the vehicle must also display signage on both front doors indicating that the vehicle is a private hire car.
Drivers of both taxis and private hire cars require to be licensed by the council, taxi driver's are able to drive either a taxi or private hire car whereas private hire car driver's can only drive private hire cars.
What different types of taxis and private hire cars are there in West Lothian?
All West Lothian taxis accommodate between 5 and 7 passengers and must be
- accessible by passengers travelling within wheelchairs by means of suitable ramps into the side doors of the vehicle
- fitted with hi-visibility interior features, interior grab rails, a retractable step and a loop system for use by hearing impaired travellers
Private Hire Cars can be either
- saloon vehicles licensed to carry 4 passengers; or
- larger vehicles fitted with rear passenger lifts which are licensed to carry 8 passengers; these vehicles are suitable for passengers travelling within heavier or bulkier wheelchairs who cannot easily access a vehicle by means of a ramp
Information on Fares and Meters in Hire Cars
All taxis are required to have meters and almost all private hire cars have meters. Where no meter is fitted the driver is required to agree a fixed fare with the passenger before the journey commences and you can access the current 
fare table [462.24KB]
These are the maximum metered fares which can be charged for journeys in taxis and metered private hire cars within the West Lothian Council area. Drivers are required to let passengers see the metered fare at the end of a journey.
For journeys starting or ending outwith West Lothian agreement must be reached before the journey commences either to (1) charge a fixed fare or (2) use the meter.
For journeys within West Lothian the meter should always be used (provided one is fitted) and any fixed fare charged cannot be more than the metered fare.
Survey in Relation to Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
The Council are currently engaging in a survey in relation to electric and hybrid vehicles developed to support the switched on towns and cities feasibility study. It would be beneficial for all licence holders to take part in the survey whether or not you are currently using an electric or hybrid vehicle or are considering changing to one in future.
Please use the following link which will take you to the survey Electric and Hybid Vehicle Study
West Lothian Council as licensing authority administers a licensing scheme for booking offices taking bookings for 4 or more relevant vehicles.
West Lothian Council as licensing authority administers a licensing scheme for private hire car drivers licences. A private hire car driver's licence entitles the holder to drive only a private hire car.
West Lothian Council as licensing authority administers a licensing scheme for private hire cars (PHC). The Council does not restrict the numbers of private hire cars which can be licensed.
West Lothian Council as licensing authority administers a licensing scheme for taxi drivers. A taxi driver's licence entitles the holder to drive a taxi or a private hire car.
West Lothian Council administers a licensing scheme for taxis. The Council does not restrict the numbers of taxis which can be licensed. All taxis must be wheelchair accessible and meet the accessibility standards set out in the licensing conditions.
Enforcement of hire car vehicles and drivers licensed in West Lothian is currently undertaken by the Taxi Examination Centre (TEC) and West Lothian Councils' Licensing Standards Officer (LSO). In addition, assistance is given from time to time by local Roads Policing officers.
Complaints about licensed taxi or private hire car drivers and licensed taxi or private hire car vehicles may be made to the Licensing Team.
Lists of current licence holders and suspended licences.
Licensing Team Contact Details
