Do you know the difference between taxis and private hire vehicles next time you need to travel.
Taxis
How to identify a taxi
- Have an illuminated 'taxi' roof sign
- Will display a green plate on the rear of the vehicle
Taxi accessibility
- All have disabled access
- Must accept guide dogs
Using a taxi
- You should hire at a taxi rank
- You can flag down in the street
- Can be pre-booked
Private hire
How to identify a private hire vehicle
- Must have door signs displaying company logo
- Will display a yellow plate on the rear of the vehicle
Private hire accessibility
- Must accept guide dogs
- Do not always have disabled access
Using a private hire vehicle
- You cannot flag down in the street
- Must always be pre-booked
Follow these SAFETY tips next time you use a taxi or private hire vehicle:
Share information with someone you trust about your journey and the vehicle you are in
Ask the driver to show you their badge before you start the journey
Find out which licensed taxis and private hire vehicles operate in your area and plan your journey
Examine the vehicle before you get in. Is a license displayed on the vehicle, does it look roadworthy?
Trust your instincts. If you feel worried or threatened, ask the driver to stop so you can get out
You can report any concerns to the police and your local licensing authority
Complaints
If you need to make a complaint about a driver or a vehicle, please visit our complaints page.
Booking licensed prom vehicles
Are you planning to book a luxury vehicle for prom night? You should make sure your vehicle and driver have a license. Unlicensed drivers or vehicles could put your child and their friends at risk. For more information, please watch the video below:
Checks to carry out when hiring a vehicle and chauffeur
You can carry out simple checks to make sure that the limo you book is safe and legal. The checks you need to do depend on how many passenger seats the limo has.
The driver and hiring companies may need a private hire vehicle operator's licence. This is if the hired vehicle has fewer than nine seats.
You can ask the company if they hold a license and which local authority it is with. You can contact that authority to confirm.
You can check to see if they hold a license for Wolverhampton based companies. Please check online at Wolverhampton Driver Portal (iapply.co.uk)
A company needs a PSV (public service vehicle) operator licence if a driver has 9 passenger seats. The Traffic Commissioner issue this. You can search online at www.gov.uk/find-vehicle-operators.
It is illegal to operate if they do not have a licence. You need to report this here. Or by calling 01902 558294.