Private hire vehicle or taxi : what are the differences?

For several years now, when needing to get fro A to B we have had the option of choosing between two types of transport services : taxi cabs or chauffeur driven private hire vehicles (such as those available through the Uber app). These two very similar services have however several notable differences, and today taking a taxi or taking a private hire vehicle are two very distinct services. So private hire vehicle or taxi, what are the differences?

Differences between taxis and private hire vehicles : a different profession

To make a clear distinction between taxis and private hire vehicles we need look no further than the differences between the professions of a private driver and a taxi driver.

Taxi driver career access

Starting a career as a taxi driver is strictly regulated. In order to obtain a professional taxi license applicants must among other things have a clean driving license, have passed a first aid course, and train to obtain the professional working certificate. If you have to choose between a private hire vehicle and a taxi you should know that the difference between an Uber driver and a taxi driver is that taxi drivers must attend a specialist school and pass certain tests which are neither easy nor cheap.

Uber driver career access

Starting a career as an Uber driver is less regulated. To become a private hire vehicle driver you must take a short training course and have held a driving license for three years. The course is less intensive, less in-depth and costs less. Private hire drivers are also supposed to have a basic knowledge of first aid.

Differences between taxis and private hire vehicle : a client’s perspective

Can’t decided between a private hire vehicle or a taxi for your next journey ? Here is a summary of what each choice may change for the client.

Private hire vehicle or taxi: telling them apart

Some major differences exist between taxis and private hire vehicles. For taxis there are certain zones where they are allowed to wait, often the most frequented spot where people most need a taxi, for example at the airport for airport transfers or in front of hotels. At most main train stations there will often be a taxi rank with taxis ready and waiting in a queue. Another major difference is the fact that a taxi driver has the right to use bus lanes whereas an Uber driver does not. Visually the most common difference is the taxi light or taxi sign set on top of the taxi’s roof.

Price difference between private hire vehicles and taxis

The taxi journey cost is regulated and determined by a minimum charge with the addition of a set hourly rate calculated in real time by the onboard taximeter. The price of a journey in a private hire chauffeur driven vehicle is set by the chauffeur and agreed upon before the journey begins. Either can work out better value depending on numerous factors including traffic.

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