Apply for an exemption from carrying wheelchair passengers or assistance dogs in a taxi

Find out how to apply for an exemption from carrying wheelchair passengers or assistance dogs in a Hackney carriage or private hire vehicle on medical grounds

You’re legally obliged to carry wheelchair passengers and assistance dogs in a Hackney carriage or private hire vehicle under the Equality Act 2010.  

However, you can apply for an exemption on medical grounds, for example if you:

• have a physical condition that means you can’t provide assistance to a wheelchair user 
• are allergic to dogs

How to apply for an exemption

To apply for an exemption from carrying wheelchair passengers:

• read the exemption from carrying wheelchair passengers policy in the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy (pdf, 1.2MB) (opens new window)
• fill in parts one and three of the application form (pdf, 103KB) (opens new window)
• ask your doctor to fill in and sign part two of the application form

To apply for an exemption from carrying assistance dogs:

• read the exemption from carrying assistance dogs policy in the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy (pdf, 1.2MB) (opens new window)
• fill in parts one and three of the application form (pdf, 103KB) (opens new window)
• ask your doctor to fill in and sign part two of the application form

Send your application to Licensing Team, Bristol City Council, PO Box 3399, Bristol, BS1 9NE.

If we grant you an exemption, you’ll need to display your exemption certificate in your vehicle.