Apply for a taxi or private hire vehicle substitution

Service Information 

If you change your vehicle or it becomes unsuitable for use you can apply for a taxi or private hire vehicle substitution.   

• A vehicle that is 7 years old or more may be subject to six monthly vehicle inspections. 
• A vehicle that is 10 years old or more is not allowed to be a taxi or private hire vehicle. 

If a vehicle has a valid East Renfrewshire Council Pass Certificate from within the last 12 months, it won't need a vehicle inspection.  

You can't substitute a private hire vehicle onto a taxi vehicle licence without it passing a full inspection.. 

The need for vehicles that are 7 years old or more to receive an MOT and inspection every six months from the date of registration has been suspended. 

Use this service to: 

• Apply for a taxi or private hire vehicle substitution 

Before you start 

You'll need to check that the vehicle you have is suitable for taxi or private hire use  

You'll need to check if you need to book a vehicle inspection.  

Taxi vehicles must: 

• have a meter 

• have an annual MOT from 1 year old 

Private hire vehicles must: 

• have an annual MOT from 3 years old

You'll need a scanned copy of the following documentation for the replacement vehicle being substituted: 

• A valid insurance certificate or alternatively a cover note 
• A valid MOT Certificate (if appropriate)
• A valid Vehicle Inspection Certificate from within the last 12 months. 
• A Vehicle Registration Document (V5) or bill of sale 

Fees 

The cost for a vehicle substitution is £67 plus £111.71 for a full inspection.

Eligibility criteria

You must be an East Renfrewshire registered driver or a company within East Renfrewshire with registered drivers. 

How to apply 

To apply, fill out the application form below: 

Download the private hire vehicle substitution form [98.12KB]. 

Send completed applications and supporting documentation to celicensing@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk.