UK Taxi & PHV key terms

A taxi licensed by a local authority that can be hailed in the street or picked up at a rank without a prior booking, and whose fares are set or approved by that authority.

A vehicle licensed to carry passengers only when the journey has been booked in advance through a licensed operator. It cannot be hailed in the street or wait on a rank for fares.

A person or business that holds an operator's licence from the local authority, takes bookings from passengers and dispatches licensed private hire vehicles and drivers to carry them.

Soliciting or accepting passengers in the street without a prior booking. Only hackney carriages may do this, so it is an offence for a private hire vehicle.

The suitability test a licensing authority uses when deciding whether an applicant should hold a driver's licence, looking at honesty, convictions, driving record and general conduct.

A place designated by the local authority where hackney carriages may stand and wait for passengers. Private hire vehicles must not use it to pick up fares.

The entry an operator must keep for every private hire journey, recording details such as passenger name, pick-up point, destination, time, driver and vehicle.

A licence that allows one driver to work both as a hackney carriage driver and a private hire driver, issued by authorities that combine the two in a single licence.

The legal and moral obligation to take reasonable steps to avoid causing harm to passengers, other road users and the public while working.

The standard of a competent and careful driver. Falling below it, for example through distraction or misjudging a manoeuvre, is a road traffic offence.

Driving that falls far below the standard of a competent driver and would be obvious to such a driver as dangerous, for example racing, ignoring red lights or using a phone.

A written warning that a driver may be prosecuted for certain moving traffic offences. For most offences it must normally be served within 14 days of the incident.

The demanding topographical examination of routes, landmarks and points of interest that drivers in some licensing areas, notably London, must pass before being licensed.

An electronic system that guides a driver turn by turn using satellite positioning. It assists but never replaces the driver's own route planning and legal responsibility.

A road layout in which traffic may travel in one direction only. Drivers must plan routes that avoid illegal turns and know local shortcuts and alternatives.

An area where vehicles that do not meet minimum emissions standards must pay a daily charge. Drivers should know the boundary and the payment deadline.

The annual inspection that most vehicles over three years old must pass to show they meet minimum road safety and environmental standards, carried out at an approved test station.

The quick inspection a driver makes before each shift, covering tyres, lights, brakes, fluids, mirrors and bodywork, to confirm the vehicle is safe and legal.

The depth of the grooves on a tyre. For cars the legal minimum is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the width around the whole circumference.

The condition of a vehicle being safe and legal to use, with working brakes, lights, steering and suspension, legal tyres and no dangerous defects.

The instrument that shows the total distance a vehicle has travelled. It is used to schedule maintenance and to keep accurate vehicle and fare records.

Giving a passenger full attention, checking that you have understood their words and feelings, and responding clearly rather than simply waiting to speak.

Calming a tense or aggressive situation by speaking calmly, keeping distance, showing non-threatening body language and avoiding argument until it is safe.

The level of spoken and written English a driver needs to understand requests, give clear information, follow instructions and communicate in an emergency.

The process of listening to a passenger's concern, recording it accurately, apologising where appropriate and passing it to the operator or authority for a response.

The actions taken to protect children and adults at risk from abuse, neglect, exploitation and harm, including recognising warning signs and reporting concerns promptly.

People aged 18 or over who need care and support because of age, illness or disability and who may be unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation.

The exploitation of people through force, threats, deception or abuse of power, including forced labour and trafficking. Drivers may be well placed to spot and report it.

The nine characteristics protected from discrimination by the Equality Act 2010, including age, disability, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

A dog trained to support a disabled person. Drivers must carry it with its owner, normally at no extra charge, and refusing would be unlawful discrimination.

A vehicle designed or converted to carry a passenger seated in a wheelchair, with a ramp or lift, adequate space and a safe wheelchair and occupant restraint.

Working alone, for example on a night shift, without a colleague nearby to help. Drivers should plan for personal safety, share their location and stay in contact.

Tiredness that slows reaction time, reduces attention and impairs judgement. Drivers must take proper breaks and should not drive when too tired to concentrate.

A structured look at what could cause harm, how likely and serious that harm is, and what reasonable steps will reduce it to an acceptable level.

The minimum vision required to drive, including reading a standard number plate at the set distance, with glasses or contact lenses if needed.

A device that calculates and displays the fare from distance travelled and waiting time. It must be calibrated, sealed and approved for use by the licensing authority.

The schedule of fares approved by the licensing authority, setting the rate per mile or kilometre, waiting time charges and extras for particular times or conditions.

Written or electronic proof of payment showing the amount, date and driver or operator details, which a passenger can ask for at the end of a journey.

Payment by debit or credit card or contactless device. Drivers should handle it securely, protect the passenger's details and give a receipt on request.