Structure of the hire vehicle industry
This page outlines the three components of the hire vehicle industry in Victoria.
Information on this page
Hire vehicles
Hire vehicles are modern luxury sedans or stretched limousines. They can only operate after being previously booked from the place of business of the owner.
Hire vehicles do not have meters; charges are negotiated between the driver and customer. They cannot accept direct hirings from ranks or public areas. |  | 
A stretched limousine.
(Photo courtesy of Lygon Limousines) |
A one-off fee of $60,500.00 (including GST) is payable for the issue of a new hire vehicle licence to operate in the Melbourne metropolitan area. In addition, licence applicants must show that they are of good character, financially stable and qualified to operate a hire vehicle service.
As at April 2009, there are 891 hire vehicle licences in Victoria, 818 of which are based in the Melbourne.
Restricted hire vehicles
Restricted hire vehicles are similar to hire vehicles except that limited vehicle types qualify for this licence, such as:
- Vehicles manufactured at least 25 years prior to the date of the licence application
- Vehicles which, by nature of their construction or fittings, can provide a service not available through standard hire vehicles (for example, motorcycles, off-road four-wheel drive and adventure or tour vehicles).
As at April 2009 there are 646 restricted hire vehicle licences in Victoria.
Special purpose vehicles
Special purpose vehicles are similar to hire vehicles except that they are licensed for specific purposes such as weddings or tours. As at September 2009, there are 1,807 of these licences operating in Victoria.