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Travel and transport

Travel and transport

Taxis and private hire services

Taxis are licensed to be hired immediately - you can get one at a rank or hail one in the street - or by pre-booking. Private hire vehicles (PHVs, also called minicabs) are licensed only to collect passengers who have pre-booked with a licensed operator.

Both vehicles and their drivers must be licensed to ensure they meet legal requirements. In the case of PHVs, the operator (who arranges the hirings) must also be licensed. Both taxis and PHVs have a maximum of eight passenger seats.

Finding a licensed taxi in London

Taxis in London must be licensed annually by Transport for London (TfL). TfL ensures they meet safety and accessibility standards. Taxis are purpose-built vehicles and have a plate on the rear showing their taxi licence number.

PHVs in London are also licensed by TfL under the Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1998 and must have special discs on their windscreen and rear window showing their licence status.

Taxis outside London

Outside London, local authorities (district/borough councils or unitary authorities) are responsible for licensing taxis and PHVs. Local licensing authorities have some discretion in terms of setting local licensing rules and standards.

For example, local licensing authorities can specify:

  • the type or types of vehicle which they are prepared to license
  • specific colour requirements
  • age limits
  • the stringency and frequency of vehicle testing (above any statutory requirements that all vehicles must meet)
  • whether a taximeter is required
  • requirements on accessibility for disabled people

The legislation governing PHV licensing means a licensing authority can grant a PHV licence to a vehicle so long as it is:

  • suitable in type, size and design for use as a private hire vehicle
  • not of such design and appearance as to lead any person to believe that the vehicle is a hackney carriage (taxi)
  • in a suitable mechanical condition
  • safe
  • comfortable

Local licensing authorities will also ensure that the vehicles are properly insured.

You can find out more from your local council.

Checking if your driver is licensed

In order to grant a taxi or PHV driver licence, licensing authorities must satisfy themselves that an applicant is a fit and proper person to hold such a licence. Local authorities decide what elements to include in assessing whether applicants are fit and proper, but the assessment would normally involve a:

  • criminal record check
  • local area knowledge test
  • medical check
  • special driving test (the Driving Standards Agency has devised a special taxi/PHV driving test)

Taxi and PHV drivers should normally wear a badge showing their licence number.

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