How to become a taxi driver

Fancy working as a taxi driver, but don’t know where to start? We’ll guide you through the process of becoming a cabbie below.

There are hundreds of thousands of taxi drivers operating throughout the UK today, and they all needed to start somewhere. If you’re wondering what you need to become a taxi driver and how to go about becoming a successful one then you’ve come to the right place.

From what type of licences you need to what does taxi insurance cover, this article contains lots of important information you really need to know. As well as this guide, if you want to get started immediately then be sure to read our 18 actionable steps to become a UK taxi driver right now.

Just like finding the right taxi insurance cover, there’s no better place to begin your journey than here at Taxi Insurer. From your very first vehicle to a whole fleet, when it comes to taxi insurance, we do the leg work so you don’t have to.

Get the right type of licence for yourself

Fortunately for those starting out on a career as a taxi driver or a private hire vehicle (PHV) driver it’s a very accessible business to get into. Perhaps the first question any wannabe driver will need to ask is what kind of licence do I need to become a taxi driver?

The answer to this question will depend on whether you’re looking to work in and around London or elsewhere in the UK. Whether you’re looking to drive a taxi or a PHV, the UK government website has details on the different requirements for both inside and outside the capital. This may be even more important if you are considering becoming a taxi driver in London.

Outside London

Outside of London, driving licences for taxis and PHVs are dealt with by your local council. To find out the licensing authority for your area, simply enter your postcode into this handy online checker.

Each council will have slightly different procedures for applying for a licence and different fees to be paid. So, approach your council directly to find out what exactly you need to do.

To be eligible for a licence you will need to prove that:

You have a legal right to live and work in the UK.
Have held a full valid UK driving licence (or a full EU driving licence) issued to your current address and held for at least 12 months.
You understood the relevant local council’s taxi licensing policies.

In view of the position of trust that a professional driver holds, you will also need to be considered a ‘fit and proper person’. So, you are under a duty to report to the council details of any convictions, cautions, charges or summonses you have been subject to.

There is also a duty to report any medical fitness issues that could impact on public safety and protection. If the council is not satisfied that you are a fit and proper person then they will not grant you a licence.

The council may also require you to:

Agree to an enhanced criminal records check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). What is a DBS check for taxi drivers? Read this informative article to find out.
Undergo and pay for a medical examination. This could include a vision eyesight test, blood pressure test and a medical questionnaire.
Pass a ‘knowledge’ test to check you know the roads and routes around the local area. There may be different tests for taxi and PHV drivers and different thresholds for passing.
Take a taxi driving test. Depending on where you intend to work you might need to pass a practical as well as a theory test.
A language test or further tests on customer service, road safety and the role of the professional taxi or PHV driver.

Costs for any of these tests and other licensing fees will vary across the country depending on the type of taxi or operation. For example, at the time of writing Swansea Council charges the following fees for taxi and PHV licences:

£29 for the knowledge test.
£40 for a DBS application.
£236 for a three-year taxi driver licence.

Inside London

hmrc letter

For taxi and PHV drivers looking to work in London, the licensing authority is Transport for London. The application processes for taxi and PHV drivers are online and are designed to be completed quickly and easily.

Simply start your application by registering online. Alternatively, email TfL at tph.enquiries@tfl.gov.uk and ask for an application pack.

To be eligible for a taxi driver licence you must:

Have the right to live and work in the UK.
Be at least 21 years old.
Hold a full valid UK or EEA state driving licence.
Meet TfL’s medical and character requirements.

These medical and character requirements include:

An enhanced DBS check. Check the TfL guidance document to ensure your DBS application is completed correctly.
A medical examination by someone who has access to your medical history. You’ll need to meet the DVLA Group 2 medical standards.
HMRC tax check. This involves you completing a tax check with HMRC and obtaining a unique 9-character tax check code which confirms you are registered to pay tax on your earnings.
Completion of a safeguarding awareness training course so you can play your part in protecting children and vulnerable adults at risk from abuse.
PHV drivers will need to complete assessments to prove they meet TfL’s English language requirement. A Safety, Equality and Regulatory Understanding (SERU) assessment. And a topographical skills assessment at a TfL driver assessment centre.
Taxi drivers will need to complete the world-famous Knowledge of London which covers the thousands of streets in the capital. Mastering the Knowledge typically takes between three and four years.

In terms of typical costs of a taxi driver licence application expect to pay the following:

£52 DBS application

£120 Licence application

£180 Grant of licence

£200 Knowledge of London written examination

£400 Knowledge of London face-to-face interview

£92-£112 DSA Hackney Carriage driving test

£8 Medical assessment

In terms of typical costs of a PHV driver licence application expect to pay the following:

£52 DBS application

£124 Licence application

£186 Grant of licence

£36 Speaking and listening assessment

£36 Topographical assessment

£36 SERU assessment

You may also need to pay a fee for a medical assessment set by your GP.

Get your taxi or PHV licensed

If you want to stay profitable as a taxi or PHV driver, it’s important to choose the right type of vehicle for your business. And get it licensed by the appropriate licensing authorities.

Just as with taxi and PHV driver licences there are also different ways to apply for a vehicle licence depending on whether you’ll be operating outside or inside London. Read on for further details.

Outside London

All vehicles must have no more than 8 passenger seats and will need to be inspected and licenced by your local council. You’ll also need taxi insurance that covers you for hire and reward and includes you as a named driver. The question of what does taxi insurance cover will be discussed later in this article.

While each local council will have different criteria for vehicles, most will inspect your vehicle to ensure:

Cleanliness and customer comfort.
Any installed taximeter is working correctly.
Safety and security of all doors.

Local councils can also attach conditions to taxi vehicle licences. These can include:

The colour of your vehicle. For example, Brighton hackney carriages are a specific colour scheme of white and aquamarine.
The use of illuminated roof signs to identify taxis and the installation of taximeters.
Wheelchair-accessibility and emissions levels.

While PHV drivers will generally not have so many conditions attached, all drivers will want to consider factors such as ease of access, luggage space, and fuel efficiency. You’ll also need to make sure that the vehicle you choose is suitable for your target market.

Inside London

All vehicles must be inspected by TfL and meet certain standards.

PHVs must:

Be able to carry no more than 8 passengers.
Not look like a licenced hackney carriage.
Only display advertising that follows TfL guidelines.
Display licence discs.
Meet new emission requirements when licensed for the first time.

Taxis must:

Have a taximeter.
Have the facility to accept card or contactless payments via a device installed in the passenger compartment. This device must be capable of producing a printed receipt.
Meet design standards set out in TfL’s ‘conditions of fitness’ document.
Meet the Euro 6 standards for emissions. If your taxi is presented for licensing for the first time then it must be zero emissions capable.

In terms of fees. The PHV application fee is £84 and the grant of licence fee is £56. For taxis the application fee is £66 and the grant of licence fee is £44.

Whether outside or inside London, there are many vehicles just right for taxi specialisms that can boost your business. For example, if you’re thinking of specialising in airport or station transfers, it’s a good idea to use a vehicle with plenty of space for luggage and good fuel economy over long journeys.

Be aware that if you’re thinking of using Uber as the basis of your PHV work, there are also certain requirements your vehicle will need to meet.

Finally, remember the type of vehicle you choose to drive as a taxi or PHV will have an impact on other costs, such as taxi insurance premiums or fuel bills. A vehicle in a lower insurance group should also help to lower your overall policy fees.

Decide on whether you’ll be an employed or self-employed driver

Once you and your vehicle are licensed, you’ll want to start earning as soon as possible. But before you earn a penny, you’ll need to decide whether you’ll be an employed or a self-employed driver.

Many professional drivers start their career by working with an established firm as a contractor or employee before becoming self-employed later in their career. There are pros and cons to both options.

Working for a taxi company can be a good idea when you’re just starting out as technical issues such as tax and insurance are taken care of – giving you the time to focus on your taxi driving skills.

Being self-employed could also work out for you as you’ve got greater freedom on the routes and times you work. For more on how to become a self-employed taxi driver then read our handy guide.

It has lots of useful information to help you get set up and keep your business running smoothly. It answers the question ‘what does taxi insurance cover?’ as well as lots of other tips and tricks perfect for you.

When you’re starting out, be sure to factor in the additional start-up costs as a new driver, including taxi insurance and licence fees. It can take a while for drivers new to the game to pay off their annual fees and premiums and to begin turning a profit.

According to the National Careers Service, the average annual salary for a taxi driver can range from £14,000 for a starter to £30,000 for a more experienced driver.

For those PHV drivers choosing to work with Uber, recruitment specialist Indeed estimates an annual average salary of £21,408.

Follow these 16 top tips for taxi business success

When you’re working out what makes a successful taxi driver there’s a lot to consider. And it’s all too easy to get bewildered by all the advice that might come your way.

Take a look at these 16 top tips to ensure you’re set up for success.#

1. Know your area so you’re always able to pick the best route given the time of day, amount of traffic and other potential delays.

2. Turn up on time and if you’re running late, call ahead to let them know.

3. Driving safely and ensuring customer comfort has to be a top priority, so avoid harsh braking and other poor driving habits. We’ve got lots more in-depth advice on how to ensure your passengers have a safe journey.

4. Be professional and polite at all times. No matter how difficult the passenger or fellow road user is.

5. Always expect the unexpected from other road users. That way you’ll always be ready when it matters.

6. Take pride in everything you do. Including the appearance of both you and your vehicle.

7. Pay attention to customers' individual needs. From a little help with luggage to providing insightful tips and advice, everyone loves a personalised service.

8. Look after your passengers not only when they are in the cab, but when getting in and out.

9. Attract customers by offering a better service rather than simply cheaper prices.

10. Take the time to market your business effectively. Look at our 21 top tips for developing your taxi firm’s brand and marketing for further help.

11. Make sure to take breaks and days off. If you’re tired you won’t offer the best or safest service.

12. Take care of your physical and mental health. Taxi driving can be a demanding, lonely job and it’s important to stay fit and healthy.

13. Keep your vehicle well maintained.

14. Install CCTV and a dash cam in case of accidents and other problems.

15. What does taxi insurance cover? Contact the Taxi Insurer team who can talk you through your insurance options.

16. What are the rights of a passenger in a taxi? It’s important to know what your responsibilities are, so read our quick guide now.

What does taxi insurance cover?

One of the most important questions to ask as a new taxi driver is ‘what does taxi insurance cover?’. When you contact the Taxi Insurer, our experienced team of insurance specialists will explain exactly what’s included.

There are many different insurance products on the market offering varying levels of bespoke cover for taxis and PHVs. Standard taxi insurance usually includes motor insurance and passenger liability insurance to protect you and your passengers in the event of an accident whilst you’re working.

There are also a range of options you can add to policies to create bespoke cover that suits your taxi business needs. These can include:

Breakdown cover that can include separate onward travel to get your passengers to their destination.
Accident recovery and repairs.
Home start recovery if you need breakdown assistance close to home.
A courtesy plated taxi if your vehicle needs to be repaired following an accident.
Taxi key cover if you lose or damage your keys. This can include locksmith charges, replacement locks and keys, car hire and onward transport.
Legal protection if you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured driver. It could even cover the costs of your legal defence if you’re prosecuted when working as a taxi driver.
Taxi excess protection to allow you to claim back the amount of your excess once the insurance claim has been settled.
Public liability cover to protect you against claims brought by members of the public who have been injured or had their property damaged by you or your taxi business.
Employers’ liability. If you have people working for you then this could protect you as an employer against claims for compensation or loss of earnings if they get sick or injured as a result of working for you.
Windscreen cover. You never know when your windscreen may suffer a crack, chip or something worse.

‘What does taxi insurance cover?’ and ‘What’s excluded?’ should be two of the first things you ask your provider. Common exclusions are:

Drivers aged under 25. But if you have a clean driving history then some insurers will make an exception.
Theft of the vehicle, if the keys have been left inside.
Unauthorised or unsafe use of the vehicle.
Driving outside of the area specified in your policy.

What does taxi insurance cover? Why you should review your taxi insurance policy on a regular basis? We’ve got all the answers here at the Taxi Insurer.

Get specialist insurance for your taxi or PHV today

black taxis driving

What does taxi insurance cover when you come to a specialist like the Taxi Insurer? Let’s take a look.

With access to an industry panel of leading UK insurers, benefits of taxi insurance cover arranged through us may include:

Protected No Claims Bonus available
Cover for Minibus, MPVs and Car
Cover for private and public hire
24-hour claims management service
Pay in instalments
Mirror NCB from other insurance policies
UK-based call centre

What does taxi insurance cover? Give the helpful team at the Taxi Insurer a call today to find out.