It's a common confusion: most people use the word "taxi" for any car that takes them where they need to go. However, in the UK, there are two distinct types of licensed public transport vehicles—the Taxi (Hackney Carriage) and the Private Hire Vehicle (PHV), often called a minicab.
​While both offer passenger transport, their rules, pricing, and how you book them are fundamentally different. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for safety, knowing your rights, and guaranteeing the best price for your journey.

The Taxi (Hackney Carriage)

The traditional taxi, historically known as a Hackney Carriage, is licensed for spontaneous, immediate hire.

​Defined by Spontaneity
​The defining feature of a Taxi is its ability to "ply for hire." This means you do not need a prior booking to use it.

• ​How to Book/Access: You can find Taxis waiting at designated Taxi Ranks (often found near train stations, bus stations, or town centres) or you can hail one from the street by simply putting your arm out when its "For Hire" light is on.

• ​Pricing: Taxi fares are controlled by the local council and are calculated using a meter (taximeter). Drivers cannot charge you more than the price shown on that meter at the end of the journey. This provides price transparency, especially for short, spontaneous trips.

• ​Vehicle Clues: Taxis often look distinct (like London Black Cabs), usually display a roof light bearing the word "TAXI," and have official, council-mandated licence plates (often white or blue) visibly displayed on the exterior.

The Private Hire Vehicle (PHV)

A Private Hire Vehicle (PHV), or minicab, is essentially a pre-booked service. It is illegal for a PHV to pick up a passenger who has not booked the journey in advance through a licensed operator.

​Defined by Pre-Arrangement
​The defining feature of a Private Hire Vehicle is that it must be pre-booked through a licensed operator (a company with a dispatch system).

• ​How to Book/Access: You must book a PHV by calling an office, using a ride-hailing app, or booking online. Crucially, a PHV cannot be hailed from the street or wait at a taxi rank. Doing so is not only illegal for the driver but may also invalidate the vehicle's insurance for your journey.

• ​Pricing: PHV fares are not regulated by the council. The company sets the prices, which are usually given to you as a fixed quote that you can confirm before you accept the ride. This makes PHVs ideal for longer, planned journeys like airport transfers.

• ​Service & Dispatch: PHVs operate using a central dispatch system. This means they offer efficient, door-to-door service, picking you up directly from your home or specified address.

• ​Vehicle Clues: PHVs often look like standard family cars (saloons, SUVs) but must display clear Private Hire identification plates (often yellow) and company stickers/branding on the doors or windows stating they are "Advanced Bookings Only."

What They Both Have In Common ?

​Despite the differences in how they operate, both types of service are governed by strict local council regulations to ensure public safety.

​Driver Licensing and Safety

• ​Licensing Standards: Both Taxi drivers and Private Hire drivers must hold a current, council-issued driver's licence/badge. This means drivers for both types of vehicles have gone through the same rigorous checks, including enhanced criminal record checks (DBS checks), medical fitness tests, and local area knowledge tests.

• ​Vehicle Safety: Both Taxis and PHVs are required to undergo regular, stringent safety inspections mandated by the local council, often more frequently than a standard MOT. This ensures they meet high safety standards for passengers.

• ​Payment Methods: In modern fleets, both services widely accept card payments and contactless methods, offering convenience regardless of whether you hail a cab or pre-book.

​Smooth and Safe Journeys: The ultimate goal for both service types is the same: to offer passengers a smooth, professional, and safe journey from their start point to their destination.