A vehicle and driver must be licensed if they carry the public in their vehicle for reward. There are different licences depending on the kind of activity.
Hackney carriage
Both the driver and vehicle must be licensed. These vehicles can be:
- hailed or booked immediately from the street
- hailed or booked immediately from a taxi rank
- pre-booked directly with the driver or other person.
The maximum fares for journeys in South Ribble are regulated by us and the vehicles are easily recognisable, they have blue identification plates on the front and rear of the vehicle. They will also have a 'Taxi' roof sign. The driver will also be wearing an identification badge displaying their name, licence number and expiry date
Private hire
Driver, vehicle and operator must be licensed. The operator is the person who takes bookings and dispatches vehicles, they are usually called the 'base'. Private hire vehicles must:
- be pre-booked, directly with a licensed operator
- not pick up directly and immediately from the street.
The fares are not regulated and should be agreed at the time of booking. South Ribble Brough Council private hire vehicles have a yellow rear identification plate and must bear a door sign showing 'Private Hire Vehicle'. Inside the vehicle there may be a meter and an internal plate displaying the vehicle details and licence expiry date. The driver will also be wearing an identification badge.
View our hackney carriage and private hire licensing policy
Tax check
It is now a requirement that you have to provide a tax check when you renew your licence to drive taxis, drive and operate private hire vehicles. View more information on tax conditionality.
Other documents
Hackney carriage and private hire licensing policy
Conditions attached to a hackney carriage drivers licence and byelaws
Hackney carriage vehicle conditions
Private hire vehicle conditions
Private hire driver conditions
Private hire operator conditions
Hackney carraige table of fares