What do English people call taxis?

The famous London taxis are actually called 'hackney carriages' but in London we just call them 'black cabs/taxis'.



In 2026, English people use two main terms: "Taxi" and "Cab." However, there is a very important distinction in the UK between a "Black Cab" and a "Minicab." A Black Cab (or Hackney Carriage) is the iconic London vehicle that you can hail on the street. A Minicab is a private hire vehicle that must be pre-booked and cannot be hailed. If you say "I'll call a cab," most English people will understand you're using an app or calling a local firm. In more casual northern English slang, you might hear someone say they are "getting a motor" (though rare now) or simply "booking a car." Interestingly, in 2026, "Uber" has become a verb; someone might say "I'll just Uber it" even if they end up using a different app like Bolt or Free Now. A supportive tip: never try to hail a car that doesn't have the "Taxi" light on the roof, as it's likely a private hire vehicle and they are legally prohibited from picking you up without a prior booking.

People Also Ask

Black cab The famous London taxis are actually called 'hackney carriages' but in London we just call them 'black cabs/taxis'. London taxi drivers have to pass a special exam called the Knowledge to get their license so if you take a black cab, you can be sure the driver will know the way.

MORE DETAILS

London Black Taxis +44 (0)20 3984 4515.

MORE DETAILS

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

MORE DETAILS

Why London Taxis are Black. The Austin FX3 of 1948 made the black taxi look popular. The cab was made in black, and anyone who wanted a different colour had to pay extra. Seeing as it was the post-war period, not a lot of people had money for that.

MORE DETAILS

To order a cab, you can say, May I book a taxi at (time)? or When is the soonest I could book a taxi for? After you receive the answer, you will be asked about the location where the driver should pick you up and the destination point where the driver will need to drop you off.

MORE DETAILS

A hackney or hackney carriage (also called a cab, black cab, hack or London taxi) is a carriage or car for hire. A hackney of a more expensive or high class was called a remise.

MORE DETAILS

Hack is short for hackney (from the Middle English hakeney), which at one time described a horse of average size, used for regular riding—as distinct from stronger horses used for hauling or in war. Such horses were often let out for hire to pull a coach or cab.

MORE DETAILS

Black Cabs and Bowler Hats One unique fact about the Hackney Cab is that dating back to their horse-drawn equivalents in the 17th century, they were required to be tall enough to fit a person wearing a bowler hat.

MORE DETAILS

Though there has never been law requiring London's taxis to be black, they were, since the end of the Second World War, sold in a standard colour of black. This, in the 1970s gave rise within the minicab trade to the nickname 'black cab' and it has become common currency.

MORE DETAILS

UK law states that a seatbelt is required by law for drivers and passengers aged 14 and older in cars, vans, and other commercial vehicles.

MORE DETAILS

From Driver Rule 54-20 (in PDF): It is against the law to refuse a person based on race, disability, or a destination in New York City. A taxicab driver is required to drive a passenger to any destination in the five boroughs. You can make a refusal complaint by calling 3-1-1.

MORE DETAILS