Derby licensing committee votes to raise first licence vehicle age to nine years.

12 March 2026 – Derby

The Derby driver community has welcomed the outcome of the Licensing Committee meeting – 12th march 2026 where councillors voted to raise the maximum age a vehicle can be when receiving its first private hire licence from five years to nine years.

The change means that private hire vehicles can now be first licensed in Derby up to nine years old, a significant increase from the previous five-year limit.

The new policy comes into effect from 13 March 2026, following confirmation from Purjinder Gill, head of community safety, Derby City Council.

For many drivers across the city, tonight’s vote represents not just a policy change, but recognition that those working within the industry every day can provide valuable insight into how regulation affects the real world.

The campaign challenging the five-year clause was driven locally by DATA, the Derby Area Taxi Association, but those involved are keen to emphasise that the real driving force behind the effort was the Derby driver community itself.

Drivers shared evidence, responded to consultations, attended meetings and remained engaged throughout the process, all curated by an experienced board willing to step up and challenge something that was born in controversy.

A long campaign comes to a successful end.

The vote marks the end of a long and determined campaign challenging the controversial five year clause within Derby’s Private Hire Vehicle Specification.

Following sustained engagement with the council, the issue progressed through formal challenge, consultation and ultimately a committee decision.

The outcome restores what many within the trade consider to be a fairer and more evidence based approach to vehicle licensing, recognising that:

• Vehicle condition
• Proper maintenance
• Regular safety testing

are more accurate indicators of public safety than vehicle age alone.

Licensed vehicles in Derby already undergo twice-yearly inspections, MOT testing and ongoing compliance checks, with roadside enforcement carried out by council officers. These measures ensure that safety standards remain robust across the city’s licensed fleet.

Key takeaways from the Debate

Members of the Derby driver community followed the proceedings closely, including moments where councillors representing Alvaston North questioned the council’s consultation process. An interesting opening statement despite the plethora of information presented by council officials and trade responses.
It was noted during the meeting that the consultation had been conducted using standard Derby City Council procedures and formed part of the official information provided to committee members. A proposal to reopen the consultation was ultimately not supported by the committee.

During the debate, the councillor representing Oakwood suggested that newer vehicles inherently provide greater public safety based on evidence presented by the council. This evidence was taken from cars already in service, not vehicles new to the trade.
Many feel this embarrassing misunderstanding of licensing procedure was akin to comparing apples and pears, not apples and apples. How can you compare a vehicle that has been in service for a number of years with one chosen to get its first license?
This, along with overlooking the robust safety framework already in place, including authorised testing, MOT requirements, twice-yearly inspections, regular maintenance and roadside enforcement, showed a complete lack of industry understanding.

In contrast, the councillor representing Chellaston and Shelton Lock emphasised that vehicle condition, not age alone, is the key factor in determining safety, highlighting the importance of informed discussion and evidence based policy.
This contribution and those from councillors representing Blagreaves and Darley, were welcomed for bringing a practical and balanced perspective, showing true understanding of the debate and the trade.

Councillors to remain part of trade discussions.

Another agenda item on the meeting concerned a proposal to remove councillors from attending organised taxi trade meetings.

After discussion, the committee voted not to proceed with that proposal, recognising the value of open dialogue between elected members and the licensed trade.

Trade representatives believe that these meetings provide an important opportunity for councillors to hear directly from those working on Derby’s streets every day, helping bridge the gap between policy decisions and operational reality.

A victory for derby drivers

While DATA drove the campaign forward, many involved have been clear that tonight’s outcome belongs to the Derby drivers who stood together to protect their trade.

For many drivers, the previous five-year rule created a significant financial barrier when attempting to licence vehicles locally.

Allowing vehicles to be first licensed up to nine years old provides drivers with greater flexibility to purchase safe, compliant and affordable vehicles without incurring heavy financial debt, while still maintaining Derby’s high licensing standards.

It also removes some of the pressure that had encouraged drivers to licence vehicles with authorities outside the city.

Looking forward

The future of the licensed trade in Derby depends on constructive collaboration between councillors, regulators and drivers.

Through open communication and shared understanding, public safety can remain at the heart of every decision while ensuring the industry remains sustainable for those who serve the city every day.

Tonight’s decision represents an important milestone.

It demonstrates that when Derby’s licensed drivers speak with a collective voice, that voice can help shape the future of the city’s transport industry.

To view the meeting in full.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-k9onaoBuw