Private taxis are passenger cars that are capable of carrying fewer than 12 passengers. They must be used solely for charter, with journeys commencing outside of the Perth metropolitan area.
There is no restriction on the number of Private Taxi licences that are granted.
Private taxis have a number of restrictions placed upon them to set them apart from regular taxi services. These differences include:
They are generally a higher class of vehicle than a normal taxi
They cannot operate from taxi ranks, `ply for hire' or tout on roads or other public places
They must not display taxi signage
Private taxi trips shall be charged according to the time occupied and the distance travelled during the trip, and at a minimum rate of 30% above the maximum taxi fare detention rate approved by the Department as provided under the Transport Co-Ordination Act 1966. A minimum of one hour must be charged per hiring.
They cannot operate like a conventional bus service with established pick-up and drop-off points; and
Please see below for information concerning what standards need to be met for a vehicle to be used as a Private Taxi.
Group
Vehicle category and description
Maximum age
A
Luxury vehicles Vehicles that cost at least the amount of the Luxury Car Tax (LCT) threshold when new. The current LCT is $57,123 Note: the following vehicle(s) will always be included, irrespective of the LCT threshold figure:
Ford Fairlane/LTD
Holden Statesman/Caprice
Toyota Tarago
Unlimited
B
Modified/stretched vehicles A modified/stretched vehicle is a vehicle that has been modified so as to lengthen the vehicle’s wheelbase by at least 500mm.
Unlimited
C
Classic / vintage vehicles A classic or vintage vehicle must be at least 25 years old.
Unlimited
D
Green vehicles Green vehicles are petrol-electric hybrids or alternative fuel passenger vehicles. The vehicle must have an overall rating of 5-stars with respect to greenhouse gas emissions, fuel consumption and air pollution, as determined by the Federal Government’s Green Vehicle Guide.
Vehicles must pass a visual and mechanical inspection at an Authorised Inspection Centre. Modified/stretched vehicles must be taken to the Technical Branch at Welshpool. You can find the locations of these centres in the Licensing services section of this website. Vehicles will be issued with PT plates which have red characters on a white background.
