In order for you to become a taxi driver or a private hire driver in London, you have to make an application for the correct licence to Transport for London (TfL)
What Types Of Licences Are There For Taxi Drivers?
If you are a taxi driver in London looking for a licence you should be aware there are two different types. These are:
- A green badge
- This licence covers all of London and allows you to work throughout London
- A yellow badge
- This is a suburban licence and this restrict you to working in the suburban areas surrounding London
Are There Different Types Of Licences For Private Hire Drivers?
If you are a private hire driver, you will need to apply for a private hire driving licence. For you to be able to do this, you will need to apply for an enhanced criminal records check from the DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) before you are able to apply for a licence.
Is There A Difference Between Taxis And Minicabs?
Yes. The main difference is that you are able to get a taxi from a rank, hail one in the street or pre book one and with a minicab, you can only pre-book one. A minicab may also be referred to as a “private hire vehicle” or a “PHV”.
By law, minicabs have to be run be a licensed operator. If they aren’t, they are breaking the law.
Is There A Difference Between Taxis And Minicabs In London?
Yes. They are the same in the sense that both taxi and minicab firms have to licensed by TfL (Transport for London) and can carry a maximum of 8 passenger seats.
However, London taxis are purpose built, with a plate on the back that displays their taxi licence number. All of them are accessible for people with disabilities.
A minicab in London has to have a special disc displayed on their windscreen and rear window. This shows that they are licensed.
Is There A Difference Between Taxis And Minicabs That Operate Outside London?
Once you are outside London, taxis and minicabs are then licensed by the local authorities. They have the final say in what sorts of vehicles can be used.
Any minicabs that operate outside London are not allowed to have the same sort of design or appearance as the local taxi. This is so you can differentiate between them more easily.
How Do You Apply For Taxi Licence In London?
To apply for a taxi licence to be used in London, you have to be:
- Over the age of 21
- Classed as either a UK or European citizen or hold the right to stay and work in the UK
- Be a holder of a full Great Brain (GB), Northern Ireland (NI) or European Economic Area (EEA) driving licence.
To go ahead with your application, you will need to request a pack from Transport for London (sometimes called TfL). As well as this, you will need to:
- Have an enhanced criminal record check done by the Disclosure and Barring Service (sometimes called the DSB)
- Complete and pass the knowledge test
- Take and pass the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (or the DVSA) taxi driving assessment
- Undergo a medical examination with your doctor
You will also need to make a fee payment when you submit your application.
How Do You Apply For A Private Hire Vehicle Licence In London?
If you decide you want to work as a private hire vehicle driver (sometimes called a PHV driver) in London, you will have to hold a licence issued by Transport for London (TfL). To get one of these, you should request an application pack from TfL.
In order for you to be able to apply for a PHV licence, you have to:
- Be 21 years old at least
- Have held a full driving licence for 3 year from either Great Britain (GB), Northern Ireland (NI) or European Economic Area (EEA)
- Hold the right to live and work within the UK
- Undertake an enhanced criminal records check from the DSB (the Disclosure and Barring Service)
- Be willing to have a medical examination with your doctor
- Take a topographical (route finding) skills test
When you submit your application, you will also need to include the relevant fees as well. If you have any enquiries about license requirements it it worth getting in touch with the DVLA.