The differences between a Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle (PHV)
To operate, a taxi will require two licenses:
- Hackney Carriage proprietors (vehicle) licence
- Hackney Carriage drivers licence
To operate, a PHV will require three licenses:
- Private hire operators licence
- Private hire vehicle licence
- Private hire drivers licence
Once licensed, there are differences in the way in which the vehicles can operate:
| | Taxi | PHV |
|---|
| Can ply for hire? | Yes | No |
| Can operate from a rank? | Yes | No |
| Can take pre-bookings? | Yes | Yes |
| A fare meter is required? | Yes | No |
| A fare tariff is set by the council? | Yes | No |
| The number of vehicles operating be can restricted by the council? | Yes | No |
