Working as a taxi driver can be an incredibly rewarding career. It offers flexibility, independence, and the chance to meet a wide variety of people every day.
If you’re looking to become a taxi or private hire driver in the UK, you’re in the right place. This guide will take you through what you need to know to get on the road and start earning with confidence.
Taxi vs private hire: what’s the difference?
Before becoming a taxi driver, it’s important to decide whether you want to work as a public hire or private hire driver, as each requires different licences, paperwork, and insurance. Some drivers opt to get both sets of licences so they can operate in both roles.
- Public hire taxis – can be hailed on the street and pick up passengers at taxi ranks (think Hackney cabs). They are covered by public hire taxi insurance.
- Private hire vehicles – cannot be hailed on the street and can only pick up passengers with a prior booking (think Uber, Bolt, or local taxi firms). They are covered by private hire insurance.
Types of taxi work
There are a few different ways you can work as a taxi driver, including:
- Being self-employed.
- Working for a local taxi firm.
- Using ride-hailing apps such as Uber or Bolt.
Whether working as an employed taxi driver or being self-employed is right for you will depend on what you value most and what you want to get out of your career.
Some drivers enjoy the independence that comes with being self-employed, while others prefer working for local taxi companies that supply the vehicle, clients, and insurance.
What do you need to become a taxi or private hire driver?
1. The basic requirements
In order to become a taxi driver, you must:
- Have the right to work in the UK.
- Have held a full British or Northern Ireland driving licence (or full EU driving licence) for at least 12 months.
Depending on where you choose to work, you might also have to meet additional criteria. For example, you need to be 21 years old to work as a taxi driver in London.
2. A taxi or private hire driver licence
It’s essential have the necessary licences to work as taxi or private hire driver in the UK. Without it, you could face prosecution.
You can apply for a licence through your local licensing authority, which is either:
- Transport for London (TfL) if you’re in London.
- Your local council if you’re outside of London.
Different authorities have different rules, meaning that there may be additional requirements depending on where you want to work. Further requirements can include:
- An enhanced DBS certificate.
- A medical examination.
- A driving test.
- A Certificate of Good Conduct (if you have lived outside of the UK for three or more months since the age of 18).
- Passing the ‘knowledge’ test (especially if you want to work as a public hire driver).
If you choose to work as a private hire driver, you will also need to have an operator’s licence or work for a company/with a ride-hailing app that has one.
3. A vehicle licence
If you decide to use your own vehicle as a taxi or PHV, you must also obtain a vehicle licence from the same licensing authority that issued your taxi badge.
4. Taxi insurance
Once you have all the necessary licences, you will need to cover your vehicle.
Standard car insurance will not cover you for working as a taxi driver. You need specialist taxi insurance, which is designed to cover the extra risks that come with transporting passengers for payment.
Taxi insurance is a legal requirement for drivers who transport passengers for hire and reward – you could face hefty fines or prosecution without it.
💡 Want to know more about taxi insurance? Read our beginner’s guide.
Bottom line
A career as a taxi or private hire driver can be rewarding and offer many benefits, but it’s essential to hold the proper licences and qualifications to remain compliant with the law.
If you’re looking for taxi insurance, let us help you. We’re a specialist taxi insurance broker and have been finding taxi drivers across the UK insurance for over 50 years. We’ll compare quotes on your behalf to find you our best policy, at our best price.
Find out more about how to get a taxi insurance quote by visiting our website.
