Call for approved MOT centres to join new licensed vehicle testing database
Posted on: 19 May 2025
DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) approved MOT testing stations in the borough are being invited to express their interest in joining a new database of approved providers, held by the council.
Approved testing stations would need to check that taxi and private hire vehicles pass the standard MOT inspections, and the vehicles also meet the council’s extra licensing standards.
This is so that the council can ensure that all vehicles licensed as hackney carriages or private hire are safe and fit for purpose.
Councillor Murray Stewart, Lead Member for Environmental Services, said: “We currently license around 780 vehicles, and vehicle safety is of the greatest importance.
“We want to hold a strong database of approved testing stations that understand our rigorous requirements before hackney carriage or private hire vehicle licences are granted or renewed.
“We’d like to encourage MOT testing stations within our borough to visit our dedicated webpage and find out more or contact our Licensing team.”
Find out more and express an interest via the council’s procurement portal: www.in-tendhost.co.uk/tewkesbury. The portal is now live and will be accepting applications until 31 July 2025.
Contact the Licensing team with any questions on licensing@tewkesbury.gov.uk.
Notes:
The additional licensing requirements for both hackney carriages and private hire vehicles include:
- Emissions standards
- Exterior condition of vehicles including accident damage and rust
- Interior condition of vehicles including flooring and upholstery
- Width of seats
- Signage inside and outside of the vehicle
- Presence and condition of any safety equipment carried in the vehicle.
Vehicles that are over five years old, will be required to have a second inspection at an approved testing station halfway through the one-year licence period.
