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Finding a licensed taxi or private hire vehicle in London

Taxis and PHVs are licensed annually by Transport for London (TfL). TfL also makes sure all vehicles meet safety and accessibility standards.

Taxis
Taxis are purpose-built vehicles that have a plate on the rear showing their taxi licence number. All London taxis are accessible to disabled customers. You can book a taxi over the phone using the 'One number' service. The number to call is 0871 871 8710.

Private hire vehicles
PHVs in London are licensed by TfL under the Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1998. They must have special discs on their windscreen and rear window showing their licence status.

Both taxis and PHVs have a maximum of eight passenger seats.

• Find a licensed PHV in London Opens new window

• Check if a PHV vehicle is licensed Opens new window

Taxis and PHVs outside London

Outside London, local authorities (district or borough councils, or unitary authorities) are responsible for licensing taxis and PHVs. Licensing authorities have some say in terms of setting local licensing rules and standards.

The licensing authority also carries out checks as part of the licensing process. In relation to taxi licensing, local authorities can specify:

• the type or types of vehicle which they are prepared to license
• specific colour requirements
• age limits
• the strict standards and frequency of vehicle testing (above any statutory requirements that all vehicles must meet)
• whether a taximeter is required
• requirements on accessibility for disabled people

The legislation governing PHV licensing means a licensing authority can grant a PHV licence to a vehicle so long as it is:

• suitable in type, size and design for use as a private hire vehicle
• not of such design and appearance as to lead any person to believe that the vehicle is a hackney carriage (taxi)
• in a suitable mechanical condition
• safe
• comfortable

Local licensing authorities will also ensure that the vehicles are properly insured.

You can find out more from your local council.

• Local councils

Checking if your driver is licensed

To grant a taxi or PHV driver licence, authorities must make sure that an applicant is a fit and proper person to hold the licence. Local authorities decide what to include in judging whether applicants are fit and proper, but the assessment would normally involve:

• criminal record check
• local area knowledge test
• medical check
• special driving test (the Driving Standards Agency has devised a special taxi or PHV driving test)

Taxi and PHV drivers should normally wear a badge showing their licence number.

More useful links

• Travelling with guide dogs in taxis and PHVs (disabled people section)

Useful contacts

• PCO (Public Carriage Office) complaints Opens new window

• TfL (Transport for London) Opens new window