Do you need a taxi license in the UK?

You need a licence to drive a taxi or private hire vehicle ( PHV ) in England and Wales. A PHV can only be pre-booked. Taxis can also be hired at a rank or hailed in the street. You can be prosecuted if you work as a taxi or PHV driver without a driver licence.



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According to the National Careers Service, an experienced taxi driver working around 40 hours a week might expect to make around £30,000 per year. As a one-person business, it's largely down to you. If you're prepared to put in the hours and work at anti-social times, your profits could soar.

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To become a taxi driver, it usually takes between 12 and 16 weeks if you apply directly to your local authority. If you decide to take a college course before applying for your taxi driver's licence, you're usually looking at a couple of days to complete a Level 2 NVQ.

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If your vehicle is being used as a taxi or private hire vehicle ( PHV ) you need to get it licensed. You can be prosecuted if you drive a vehicle as a taxi or PHV without a vehicle licence. A PHV can only be pre-booked. Taxis can also be hired at a rank or hailed in the street.

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Research has shown that taxi drivers are at risk for numerous health concerns, such as low back and leg pain, linked to their highly sedentary occupation, long work hours and stressors related to the job (e.g. low income, safety threats).

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Post Covid, the Licensed Private Car Hire Association (LPHCA) estimates that the UK's taxi and private hire industry is suffering a shortfall of 160,000 drivers – down from the 300,000-strong workforce pre-pandemic.

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It's easier to handle and manage cash compared to other modes of payment. Cash payments are immediate and there is no need to wait for the payment to be processed. Some taxi drivers may prefer cash payments to avoid paying fees associated with card payments.

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Yes, taxi cab driver jobs are in demand. Taxi cab driver demand is projected to grow 20% from 2018 to 2028.

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Check whether you meet the Uber requirements You're at least 21 years old. You hold a valid UK driver's licence. If you have an EU driver's licence, you'll need to convert it to a UK driver's licence before onboarding. You have an approved private hire licence from your local council.

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