The UK strictly regulates the passenger transportation industry. Getting a taxi driver’s license is not easy: the candidate must undergo medical examinations, confirm their knowledge of English, pass a city exam, and prove that they have no criminal record. A license is not just a formality, but a guarantee of safety for passengers. Therefore, before the trip, it is worth taking a few minutes to make sure that the driver really works legally.
Why check a taxi license
First of all, it is important to understand that checking a license is not a matter of formality, but an element of personal safety.
The main reasons why you should pay attention to the presence and authenticity of a license:
- Travel safety. A licensed driver undergoes criminal and medical checks. This reduces the risk of getting into trouble with a person with a dangerous past or health problems.
- Proper insurance. Only licensed taxis have insurance that covers the transportation of passengers. If an unlicensed driver gets into an accident, you may not get compensation.
- Protection of customer rights. Licensed drivers are subject to the rules of the local council. In the event of a complaint, you can file an official appeal and get an investigation.
- Transparent tariffs. Prices for travel are regulated, which means that the client will not have to pay any hidden extra charges.
Thus, having a license guarantees that the passenger receives not only the transportation service, but also state protection.
What does a driver’s license look like
The driver must always carry proof of the right to work. For the passenger, this is the main visual reference.
Usually, you can see two elements:
- Badge. A small plastic card with a photo of the driver, his name and license number. It is worn on the chest or in the passenger compartment in a visible place.
- Car license. This is a sticker or metal plate on the rear bumper and in the car window, where the permit number and expiration date are indicated.
Before the trip, you should make sure that both of these signs are present. If there is no badge or sticker, it is better to refuse the trip and call another taxi.
Online license check
In the UK, there is no single database for the whole country, since licenses are issued at the level of local councils. But this is not a problem: each council maintains its own online register.
To check your details:
- Find out where you are. For example, London, Manchester or Birmingham.
- Go to the official website of your local council. Most cities have a section dedicated to taxis and private transport.
- Find the subsection “Taxi licence check” or “Licensed drivers and vehicles”.
- Enter the driver’s licence number, their name or the registration number of the car.
- Compare the information obtained with what is stated on the card or sticker.
Examples of useful links:
- Manchester: https://www.manchester.gov.uk/taxi
- Birmingham: https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/blog/tph-bulletin
After entering the data, the system will provide up-to-date information about the driver and the car: the licence validity period, the category (taxi or private hire) and the permit status.
Checking via mobile apps
Modern passengers often use smartphones to order rides. Many city councils have introduced services for checking licences directly in the app.
For example, in London, the official TfL app allows you to check a car and driver by registration number. This is especially convenient if the ride is ordered on the street, and not through an aggregator.
What to do if the license is expired or missing
It happens that the data on the website does not match or the driver refuses to show documents. In such situations, the algorithm of actions should be simple:
- Do not get into the car. Safety is more important than saving time.
- Record the car details (plate number, make, color).
- Report the violation to the local council via the online form.
- If the driver behaves aggressively or acts suspiciously, call the police.
Such steps minimize risks and help the authorities combat illegal carriers.
Tips for passengers
In order not to waste time on questionable trips, it is useful to follow simple rules:
- always pay attention to the sign and sticker in the cabin;
- order trips only through official applications or trusted aggregators;
- if the car seems suspicious, it is better to cancel the trip and choose another taxi;
- at airports and near train stations, avoid “private drivers” who offer to give you a ride without ordering.
These tips will help you feel more confident and avoid problems on the road.
Checking a taxi license in the UK is not a complicated procedure, but a real tool for protecting passengers. Just a couple of minutes spent checking documents or entering the number on the council website allows you to make sure that the trip is legal.