handbook

Introduction Transport for London (TfL) is responsible for the licensing and regulation of London’s taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) industry to ensure a safe and reliable service for the public. We set regulations and policies for taxi (black cab) and PHV services to protect customers, and ensure vehicles are safe, accessible and meet strict […]

Glossary Allergic (adj) – to describe someone who has a bad physical reaction to something e.g. I’m allergic to nuts and cat fur. Anonymous (adj) – not giving name or any personal details e.g. an anonymous letter is a letter than does not have the sender’s name. Approved child car seats (n) – these are

Section 10 Ridesharing Ridesharing is when people who do not know each other pay separate fares and travel together in the same vehicle. All ridesharing journeys must be booked with a licensed London PHV operator. As a London PHV driver, you can only carry out ridesharing bookings that you have received from a licensed London

Section 9 Safeguarding Children and Adults at Risk Safeguarding means protecting children and adults at risk (sometimes called vulnerable adults) from harm and abuse. This section gives you information on how to keep your passengers safe. Online safeguarding awareness training is also available. It is important that you take this training. Who is a child

Section 8 Being Aware of Equality and Disability TfL is committed to improving transport in London by making it more accessible, safer and reliable for all. Public transport plays an important role in opening up opportunities by providing access to education, employment and other essential services. It helps people stay in touch with family and

Section 7 Safer Driving PHV drivers need to keep a careful watch on the roads at all times and be able to interact safely with all other road users, especially those that are more vulnerable such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. This section tells you about the how to maintain the highest standards of driving.

Section 6 Driving and Parking in London This section gives general information on parking and driving in London. It does not replace the need for you to be aware of your responsibilities under The Highway Code. You must remember that: A PHV is not a taxi. If a road sign shows that access is for

Section 5 Driver Behaviour TfL expects all licensed drivers to offer Londoners and visitors a professional and safe service. Providing excellent customer service is an important part being a London PHV driver.  This section explains how TfL expects drivers to behave towards passengers and other road users. Complaints It is important that each time a

Section 4 Staying Safe This section looks at how to keep you and your passengers safe. It covers: Driver safety Angry or violent behaviour when at work is never acceptable. If a passenger in your vehicle becomes angry or violent you have a right to say that you will not accept that behaviour or if

Section 3 Carrying out Private Hire Journeys Private hire services are an important part of London’s transport network, providing a wide range of services for residents and visitors. This section covers the basic requirements for drivers when carrying out private hire bookings. Bookings As a London PHV driver, you can only carry out bookings that