UK Taxi & PHV flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Hackney carriage

A taxi licensed by the local authority that may ply for hire in the street or at a taxi rank and may be hailed by passengers.

Private hire vehicle

A vehicle licensed to carry passengers only when the journey is pre-booked through a licensed private hire operator; it cannot be hailed or use taxi ranks.

Plying for hire

Standing or driving in a public place to attract passengers without a prior booking; unlawful for private hire vehicles and for unlicensed drivers.

Licensing authority

The local council in England and Wales outside London, or Transport for London in London, responsible for issuing taxi and private hire licences.

Speed limit built-up area

Where street lighting is present and no signs show otherwise, the limit is 30 mph for cars and taxis; signed 20 mph zones override this.

Seat belt responsibility

The driver must wear a seat belt and ensure passengers under 14 use the correct restraint; passengers aged 14 and over are responsible for themselves.

Handheld mobile phone

Using a handheld phone or similar device while driving is illegal, including when stationary in traffic; hands-free use may still be careless driving.

Hire and reward insurance

Insurance cover required for carrying passengers for payment; ordinary domestic or social insurance does not cover taxi or private hire work.

Local knowledge test

A licensing assessment requiring drivers to identify routes between points, landmarks and major destinations without relying solely on satellite navigation.

Satellite navigation limits

Satnav can assist route planning but may be outdated or send vehicles into restricted turns, bus lanes or low bridges, so signs must be checked.

Congestion Charge zone

A central London area where vehicles pay a daily charge during set hours; taxi and private hire rules and exemptions depend on the vehicle and licence type.

Drop-off planning

Choosing a safe stopping point near the destination, such as a marked bay or station drop-off, avoiding double yellow lines, bus stops and crossings.

Tyre tread minimum

Car tyres must have at least 1.6 mm of tread across the central three-quarters of the width around the entire circumference.

Pre-shift vehicle check

A walkaround inspection of tyres, lights, fluids, brakes, mirrors, wipers and bodywork before starting work, with defects recorded and reported.

Red warning light

A red dashboard warning indicates a serious fault or risk; stop safely as soon as possible and do not continue until it is resolved.

MOT test timing

Cars generally need their first MOT at three years old and then annually; licensed taxis and private hire vehicles may face additional local vehicle tests.

Confirm destination

Repeat the passenger's destination and preferred route back to them before moving, to check understanding and avoid misunderstandings.

Plain English

Clear, simple language without jargon or slang, used so passengers with limited English or cognitive needs can understand safety information.

Receipt on request

A written or electronic record showing the fare, date and vehicle details, which the driver should provide when asked.

Passenger privacy

Avoid discussing or storing passengers' personal details unnecessarily; do not share addresses, journeys or contact information with others.

Safeguarding duty

A duty to protect children and vulnerable adults from abuse or neglect, including recognising warning signs and reporting concerns to the appropriate authority.

Equality Act 2010

UK law protecting people from discrimination based on protected characteristics such as disability, race, sex, religion and age in service provision.

Assistance dog carriage

Licensed drivers must carry assistance dogs free of charge and should not refuse a booking because of the dog, unless a valid exemption applies.

Wheelchair passenger safety

The wheelchair must be secured and the passenger restrained where possible; drivers should offer assistance and must not charge extra for carrying a wheelchair.

Fatigue warning signs

Yawning, poor concentration, heavy eyelids and drifting lanes indicate tiredness; the driver should stop safely and rest before continuing.

Working Time Regulations

Rules limiting average weekly working time to 48 hours unless opted out, and requiring rest breaks and adequate rest periods between shifts.

Lone worker risk

Driving alone can increase vulnerability to violence and emergencies; risk controls include communication, tracking, cash limits and conflict de-escalation training.

Defect reporting

Recording vehicle faults found during checks and reporting them promptly so they are repaired before the vehicle is used for passenger work.

Taxi meter use

A hackney carriage fitted with a meter must use it for hired journeys and charge the approved fare shown on the fare table.

PHV fare agreement

Private hire fares are agreed with the operator at booking or fixed by the operator's published tariff, not by hailing or meter.

Card payment condition

A licence condition may require drivers to accept card payments; refusal can breach the licence and should be handled politely.

Fare receipt details

A receipt normally shows the fare, date, time, vehicle registration or licence number and operator contact so passengers can query charges.