simply owning a
Hackney cab does not permit you to charge for rides. It is illegal to ply for hire or charge for transport without a valid taxi driver’s license, vehicle license, and specialized insurance. You must be a licensed taxi driver, and the vehicle must be registered with the local council.
Key Requirements to Legally Charge Passengers:
- Driver Licensing: You must personally hold a hackney carriage driver’s license (e.g., passing a DBS check, medical, and "The Knowledge" in London).
- Vehicle Licensing: The vehicle itself must be licensed by the local authority, tested, and fitted with a calibrated taximeter.
- Insurance: You need specialized carriage insurance, not standard personal car insurance.
Important Distinctions:
- Plying for Hire: Only licensed Hackney carriages can be hailed on the street or wait at taxi ranks.
- Private Hire: If you drive a black cab without the proper licenses, you are acting as an illegal taxi (often called a pirate taxi).
- Decommissioned Cabs: If you buy an old, decommissioned black cab, it is just a private car and cannot be used for commercial hire.
If you wish to operate, you must apply to your local council to become a licensed taxi driver and license your vehicle accordingly.
