2. Overview of hackney vs private hire
Overview
You can apply to us for a licence to drive a hackney carriage (taxi) or a private hire vehicle.
If you want to drive a hackney carriage, you'll need to be licensed as a hackney carriage driver and drive a licensed hackney carriage vehicle.
If you want to drive a private hire vehicle, you'll need to be licensed as a private hire driver and drive a licensed private hire vehicle. You'll need to either work for a private hire operator or have a private hire operator's licence yourself.
Before you start your application, you'll need to decide whether you want to apply for hackney carriage or private hire licences.
Hackney carriage
Hackney carriages are vehicles which are licensed to ply for hire. They can:
- carry passengers for hire or reward
- be hailed down in the street
- park on a rank to wait for passengers
Hackney carriage vehicles can ply for hire from any of the ranks in our district. All East Devon hackney carriages have a yellow and red roof light with the word taxi on it. They also have a blue plate affixed to the rear of the vehicle which shows the vehicle licence number and registration.
All hackney carriage drivers must be licensed and will be wearing or displaying their driver's identification badge with their name and licence number on it. There will also be a meter and fare tariff chart inside the vehicle.
See our guide on applying to be a Hackney Carriage Driver for more information.
Private hire
Private hire vehicles are public transport vehicles which are licensed for pre-booked work only. A private hire vehicle cannot ply for hire or stand in a rank. It must be pre-booked with a private hire operator, usually by telephone.
East Devon private hire vehicles do not have a roof sign but have a yellow plate affixed to the rear of the vehicle which shows the vehicle licence number and registration.
All private hire drivers must be licensed and will be wearing or displaying their driver's identification badge with their name and licence number on it.
See our guide on applying to be a Private Hire Driver for more information.