Taxis and private hire services
Taxis are licensed to undertake immediate hirings - by standing at ranks, by being
hailed on the street or by pre-booking - while private hire vehicles (PHVs) 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) who ensure
they meet safety and accessibility standards. They are purpose-built vehicles and
have a plate on the rear of the vehicle showing the 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 indicating
their licence status.
Taxis outside London
Outside London, taxi and PHV licensing in England and Wales is the responsibility
of local authorities (district/borough councils or unitary authorities). Local licensing
authorities have a fair amount of discretion in terms of setting local licensing
rules and standards.
Local licensing authorities can, for example, specify:
- the type or types of vehicle which they are prepared to license;
- any specific colour requirements;
- any age limits;
- the stringency and frequency of vehicle testing (above any statutory requirements
which all vehicles must meet);
- whether a taximeter is required; and
- any requirements on accessibility for disabled people.
The legislation governing PHV licensing enables a licensing authority to 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;
- in a suitable mechanical condition;
- safe; and
- comfortable.
Local licensing authorities will, in addition, want to 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;
- a topographical knowledge test;
- a medical check; and
- a special driving test (the Driving Standards Agency has devised a special taxi/PHV
driving test).
Taxi and PHV drivers are normally required to wear a badge showing their licence
number.