Posted on the 6th March 2026 in PHTM News

DERBY PRIVATE HIRE DRIVERS FACE DECISIVE VOTE OVER CONTROVERSIAL FIVE YEAR RULE

Hundreds of Derby private hire drivers are waiting on a high-stakes council decision next week that could determine the future of the local trade.

At the heart of the debate is a rule introduced last year requiring all private hire vehicles to be no more than five years old when first licensed.

While the council argues the policy ensures vehicles are "in good condition and more likely to meet current safety and emissions standards," the move has sparked protests from drivers who say the cost is simply too high.

Drivers fear the "very strict" age limit will "price out" newcomers and bankrupt veterans who need to replace their cars.

There is also a growing concern that the rule is backfiring by forcing drivers to register with other authorities, such as Wolverhampton, which allows vehicles over 11 years old.

Because Derby cannot inspect cars licensed elsewhere, local leaders admit this "restricts the city council’s power to regulate vehicles on its roads."

A recent public consultation found that nearly 60 per cent of the 800 respondents want the age limit scrapped entirely. Preference for adjusting to a different age stood at almost 30 per cent, with 11 per cent wanting to keep the five-year rule in place.

Michael Rowlands, owner of a local firm, warned that the upcoming vote is a "breakpoint" for the industry.

He noted that "unless they vote to amend and remove the age policy for first license vehicles, Derby will begin to lose locally licensed drivers due to getting better deals on out of town licences."

A report says Derby is the only authority to have a five-year rule in place compared to other neighbouring councils.

It states Nottingham has a 10-year age limit rule, while councils in Erewash, South Derbyshire and Gedling have a seven-year rule in force.

According to the report, Wolverhampton City Council’s age limit for first-time licences is 11 years and six months.


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