When you take a taxi in London, Manchester or a small town, it is easy not to think about safety. The car arrives, you get in and off you go. Here is a short list of things to check.

Checking the licence

Taxis and minicabs in the UK must be licensed: by the local council in England, Wales and Scotland, by TfL in London, and by the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) in Northern Ireland.

How to check:

  • the driver should wear a badge or ID with a photo and licence number;
  • the vehicle should display a licence plate or disc from the council (or TfL in London);
  • in London, you can check a minicab driver, vehicle or operator with TfL’s online Licence checker;
  • in Northern Ireland, you can check a taxi driver’s licence online using the number on their badge.

If in doubt, ask to see the badge. A licensed driver should be able to show it.

Pick-up location

Where you get into the car matters, especially in the evening. Wait somewhere well lit and busy, such as outside a shop or station entrance, rather than in a dark side street.

Share your ride

Many apps let you share your trip. Send the link to someone you trust so they can see where you are going.

If you hailed a licensed taxi in the street, text a friend the taxi’s licence number or registration and where you are heading.

Car check

Do not rush to open the door. Is the make of car the same as in the app? Is the number plate the same? Does the driver know your name? In London, your booking confirmation must include the number plate, the driver’s first name and licence number, and a photo where possible. If the driver or car does not match, do not get in.

TfL warns that unbooked minicabs are illegal and uninsured. A minicab is unbooked if you approach the driver, the driver approaches you, or a bouncer takes you to one.

Seat belt

Passengers must wear a seat belt where one is fitted. If you are 14 or over, this is your own responsibility and you can be fined up to £500. Licensed taxi and private hire drivers do not have to wear one while carrying passengers.

Wearing a seat belt on every trip, in the front or the back, is a simple habit worth keeping.

Doors and windows

Close the door properly. If it makes you feel more comfortable, leave the window slightly open.

Money and payment

Many passengers pay by card or phone. If you pay in cash, avoid taking out a large amount in front of the driver. In London, every black cab must accept contactless card payment at no extra charge.

Alcohol and late trips

Late at night, take a licensed taxi from a rank or hail one in the street, or book a minicab. Never accept a lift from a minicab you have not booked. A booking through an app or operator also gives you a record of the driver, the car and the route.

Politeness also works

If something goes wrong, try to stay calm rather than argue in the car. Note the details, and raise the problem afterwards with the operator or the licensing authority.

What you should keep with you

A couple of simple things can make a difference:

  • a charged phone, so you can call for help or share your route;
  • a bank card or some cash, in case a payment method fails;
  • a screenshot of the booking confirmation, in case the app freezes.

You do not need a “survival kit”, but these small things can make the trip easier.

What to do if something goes wrong

If something unpleasant happens, from rudeness to dangerous driving, you can:

  • report it to the app or operator you booked with;
  • contact the licensing authority: the council that licensed the driver, TfL in London, or the DVA in Northern Ireland;
  • if the situation is serious, call the police on 101 (or 999, if it is an emergency).
Transport for London taxi and private hire compliance and enforcement page

A few words in conclusion

This checklist may seem obvious, but obvious things are easy to forget: checking the badge, fastening the seat belt, waiting somewhere well lit. Most of these checks take seconds. The key rule is simple: only get into a minicab you have booked. As the saying goes, better safe than sorry.

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