Walsall Council's new vehicle standards policy came into force on 2 November 2026, following a public consultation. The consultation proposed removing the council's age policy for private hire and hackney carriage vehicles, and the council's application page now says a vehicle can be of any age. Age is no longer the test, but condition still is. Walsall says vehicles must be kept to a high standard, free from rust and scratches, and every tyre must have at least 3mm of tread at the MOT and compliance test and for the whole time the vehicle is licensed. Vehicles must have been right-hand drive from new and seat between four and eight passengers. Converted vehicles need the right approval certificate, side-facing seats are not allowed, and private hire cars must not carry roof signs or look like a hackney carriage. The council asks owners to apply at least five working days before the vehicle's MOT and compliance test, and to contact the MOT depot at least four weeks before the plate runs out. Renewals can be made up to one month before expiry. Full details are in the council's hackney carriage and private hire licensing handbook.