What are the rules for taxi drivers in the UK?

Restrictions and Requirements
  • complete a driving skills assessment.
  • have a full UK or EU driving licence, held for at least 12 months, or 3 years if working in London.
  • pass background checks.
  • pass a medical check.
  • be over 18 but over 21 in some areas, including London.




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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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In order to make and receive calls while driving, mobile phones must secured in a proper cradle and connected to a speaker. Drivers cannot touch the device to accept or decline a call, to check the time, send or read messages, send documents, take photos and videos, select music or visit websites and social media.

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There's no need to shout “taxi” and indeed, it's actually illegal to shout “taxi” whilst trying to hail a cab.

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The type of tax that you pay, and how you report it, depends on how you register the business. For example, a taxi driver who registers as a self-employed sole trader will normally need to submit a Self Assessment tax return to tell HMRC about any profits and expenses they have.

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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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In order to drive on the Uber app, you'll need a private hire licence from a council that Uber is licensed by. All UK private hire drivers need a licence from a licensing authority such as a council.

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The taxes you'll be required to pay depend on how you operate. Choose from being a limited company or sole trader; the majority of UK Uber drivers go for the latter. Sole traders pay tax along with National Insurance. Tax is paid at the same rate as those who are employed, but the National Insurance rates differ.

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You need to able to work legally in the UK. You need to have held a full GB, NI or EU driving licence for at least 12 months. You need to be willing to have your background checked, which may include an enhanced criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

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Daily duty limit You must not be on duty for more than 11 hours in any working day. This limit does not apply on any working day when you do not drive. You must record your hours on a weekly record sheet or on a tachograph. Some vehicles are exempt from the duty limit.

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A hackney or hackney carriage (also called a cab, black cab, hack or London taxi) is a carriage or car for hire.

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