Below are the basic requirements for any vehicle to be licensed with Mid Sussex District Council (MSDC) for use as a Hackney Carriage or Private Hire Vehicle. 

ShapeGeneral Requirements for All Licensed Vehicles 

  • The vehicle must be right-hand drive
  • Must have a minimum of four doors
  • The vehicle must not be over 10 years old from the date of initial DVLA registration at the time of licensing
  • MSDC will not license any vehicle that has been classed as a 'write-off', regardless of the insurance category
  • Combustion engine vehicles must have an engine size of at least 1290cc
  • Diesel vehicles must meet Euro 6 emission standards
  • Petrol vehicles must meet Euro 4 emission standards
  • Electric vehicles no requirements on range or kWh, owners’ discretion. 

ShapeHackney Carriage Vehicles 

  • The Council has removed the limit on the number of Hackney Carriages it licenses (previously capped at 154)
  • However, additional Hackney Carriage licences will only be issued to wheelchair-accessible vehicles 

ShapeVehicle Colour Requirements 

  • If licensed as a Hackney Carriage, the vehicle must be white
  • If licensed as a Private Hire Vehicle, the vehicle must be any colour other than white 

ShapeFor full details, including vehicle specifications, signage, insurance, and testing requirements, please refer to the: 

  • Hackney Carriage & Private Hire Licensing Policy, available in the General Information section.
  • Vehicle Requirements to be licensed, available at Vehicle Licensing section 
Last updated: 07 November 2025