Driver licences

Hackney carriage or private hire driver?

There are two types of taxi:

  • hackney carriage is a type of taxi that can ‘ply for hire’. This means it can wait at a taxi rank. Customers can also flag it down on the street or book it in advance. Hackney carriages are fitted with a taxi roof light and a fare meter. They must charge customers the fare set by Hart District Council.

     
  • private hire vehicle often called a minicab is a type of taxi that can only be booked in advance for a specific journey. There are no restrictions on the fares they can charge. They cannot wait at a taxi rank or be flagged down. Private hire drivers can only accept bookings from their licensed operator.