Types of taxi and private hire vehicle inspection tests, how to book an appointment, how to prepare and a price list.

How to book a taxi or private hire vehicle inspection test

We work by appointment only, call 0117 9036319. You'll need to give us a weeks notice.

We'll ask for the following information:

  • vehicle registration
  • taxi or private hire number (if applicable)
  • surname
  • telephone number
  • make and model of vehicle
  • mileage

Taxi and private hire vehicle inspection test fees

Hackney Carriage, Private Hire Vehicle Test:
Test fee: £50
Retest fee: £25 (if applicable)

New Taxi or private hire inspection Test, under 500 miles:
Test fee: £60

Missed Test fee (if not cancelled within 24 hours):
Test fee: £50
Retest fee: £25

Cosmetic Retest: Free

Duplicate inspection Paperwork: £5

Attending your MOT test

When you visit us for your test, you'll need to:

  • collect a receipt from the reception and show this at the MOT test bay
  • make sure you arrive 10 minutes before your appointment
  • drive to the test centre and park in a lane. Your engine must be at its normal operating temperature for the test
  • get out the vehicle before it enters the test lane. Our staff will take the vehicle to clean it and carry out the full test
  • if you cannot get out of the vehicle, call us on 0117 9036319, we can make alternative arrangements

Where a licensed vehicle is presented for inspection, the driver must produce their valid Bristol City Council hackney carriage or private hire driver licence at the time of the appointment. 

Failure to produce a valid licence will result in the inspection being cancelled. The inspection fee will not be refunded.

Taxi and private hire vehicle inspections at fleet services follow the Vehicle Inspection Standards on behalf the licensing team. Guidance on this can be found within the pdf Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy (1.16 MB) .

Opening hours

We're open:

Monday, 7am to 5pm
Tuesday, 7am to 5pm
Wednesday, 7am to 5pm
Thursday, 7am to 5pm
Friday, 7am to 4.30pm
Saturday, closed
Sunday, closed

Find us

We're on:

Sandy Park Road
Brislington
Bristol
BS4 3NZ

You can access our office through the stone archway off Bath Road.