Is a private hire vehicle always a private hire vehicle?

Private hire vehicles (or minicabs) are public transport vehicles. However, a private hire vehicle cannot ply for hire or stand in a rank. It must be pre-booked with a private hire operator e.g. through the operator usually by telephone.

What is a private hire car?

Private Hire Vehicle: A legal definition “A private hire vehicle is a motor vehicle constructed or adapted to seat fewer than nine passengers, other than a hackney carriage, public service vehicle or a London cab, which is provided for hire with the services of a driver for the purpose of carrying passengers.” (

What is difference between taxi and car?

In general usage, a taxi is a motor vehicle that transports passengers from one place to another for a fare based on the distance travelled. Basically, there is no difference between cab and taxi; both are vehicles for hire.

What type of vehicle is a taxi?

A taxi, also known as a cab or a taxicab, is a type of vehicle for hire with a driver, used by a single passenger or small group of passengers, often for a non-shared ride. A taxicab conveys passengers between locations of their choice.

Who can drive a private hire vehicle?

Apply for a private hire vehicle licence

• PHVs under 18 months old must be zero emission capable (ZEC) and meet the Euro 6 emissions standard when licensed for the first time.
• PHVs over 18 months old must have a Euro 6 (petrol or diesel) engine when licensed for the first time.

Do taxis have mots?

The legal requirement is that all taxis should be subject to an MOT test or its equivalent once a year. For PHVs the requirement is for an annual test after the vehicle is three years old.

Can I be a private taxi?

If you want to run a business as a private hire operator in London, you’ll need to get an operator’s licence for private hire or taxis from TfL . This includes businesses such as driving a minicab or stretch limousine. You’ll also need a vehicle licence for private hire or taxis for your taxi and a driver’s licence.

What is the difference between public and private hire?

A public hire vehicle is a taxi which is licensed for use as a hackney carriage i.e. a black cab that you can flag down and do not have to pre-book. Whereas a private hire vehicle is a taxi or Uber which a customer must book in advance.

Are cabs and taxis the same?

When Americans started using taxicabs, they shortened the word to taxi or cab. In the U.S. the words ‘taxi’ and ‘cab’ are interchangeable meaning the same thing. Taxi is the most used term, but cab is just as recognizable.

What are the different types of taxis?

Many types of taxis have been identified, including:

• Aerotaxis (stimulation by oxygen)
• Anemotaxis (by wind)
• Barotaxis (by pressure)
• Chemotaxis (by chemicals)
• Durotaxis (by stiffness)
• Electrotaxis or galvanotaxis (by electric current)
• Gravitaxis (by gravity)
• Hydrotaxis (by moisture)