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What information must you provide to us?

To help us consider your vehicle application it is our policy for you to show us:

1. That the proprietor (or company) making the application should either reside in Portsmouth, or within 5 miles of the boundary or have an operating base within the City of Portsmouth. A proprietor may only hold an interest in one saloon style vehicle at any one time.
   
   
2. That you can produce the following documents:
   
   1. Vehicle Registration Document (or bill of sale on first licensing for a different vehicle)
   2. MOT Certificate or Certificate of compliance (if applicable)
   3. Policy or cover note of insurance covering the vehicle for 'public and/or private hire use'.
   
   
   WARNING
   We cannot process your application without seeing these documents. Please also ensure that your insurance provides the correct cover for you and/or your drivers.
   
   
3. That your vehicle is mechanically suitable and passes a mechanical inspection. We would like to see your car before it is tested. Please bring the car to the Civic Offices Underground Car Park before the vehicle is inspected at Adams Morey, Burrfields Road, Portsmouth. We will make the test appointment for you.
   We are often asked what testing requirements are considered. The Adams Morey garage is a Vehicle Inspectorate approved MOT testing station for vehicle classes IV and VII. They offer impartial advice to the council on the mechanical suitability of vehicles. An overview of testable items is as follows:
   
   Lighting Equipment: front lamps, rear lamps, headlamps, headlamp aim, stop lamps, rear reflectors, direction indicators/hazard lamps.
   Brakes: ABS warning system/controls, service brake condition, parking brake condition, service brake performance, parking brake performance, service brake balance.
   Steering & Suspension: steering controls, steering mechanism, power steering, transmission shafts, stub axle assemblies, wheel bearings, front suspension, rear suspension, shock absorbers, wheel alignment.
   Tyres & Wheels: tyre type/size, tyre condition, roadwheels.
   Seat Belts: security of mountings, condition, operation.
   General Items: fuel system, windscreen washers, windscreen wipers, horn, exhaust system, silencer, vehicle structure.
   Hackney Carriage and Private Hire items: accident damage/body condition, seats/upholstery condition, taxi roof light, engine noise, engine smoke, fire extinguisher, ancillary equipment (ramps etc), meter test.
   
   If you have any questions about the test you can either contact us or the garage reception on (023) 9269 1122.
   We require your vehicle to be tested annually but this will increase to 2 tests a year for vehicles on an extended licence. We also have the power to inspect your car at any other reasonable time. From 1st December 1997 we have been issuing Certificates of Compliance to proprietors whose vehicles have passed the mechanical inspection. No MOT will be required after this time.
   
   WARNING
   Please be punctual for the test. If you fail to turn up or are late we will charge you a cancellation fee. If you cannot make the test time - please ring before 11:30 am on the day to tell us. If your vehicle fails the test the first re-inspection will be undertaken at no charge to you. If it fails again a charge will be payable to the Council.
   
   
4. That you have an efficient and approved fire extinguisher suitable for use on motor vehicles.
   
   
5. That you let us know of any proposed company or commercial advertisements you propose to display from the front door panels of your vehicle. You must obtain written permission from us at least 7 days before using any new advertisements.
   
   
6. That your vehicle has an accurate PCO approved taxi meter capable of having a clock calendar and progressive facility (wef I November 2001). Your meter will be tested and sealed as part of the mechanical test or by any authorised officer from the licensing Section.

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