The NATIONAL LINK to our local Private Hire [PH] (Taxi) services

For YOUR Private Hire Bookings

EMPLOYMENT IN THE PRIVATE HIRE TRADE

So you want to be a 'Cabby'

We trust the following information will assist you in any decision.

Employment within the Private Hire (PH) trade can provide  for, and mean different things to different people.

            PH work can provide (1)part time employment  (1)(With some PH companies)

            PH work can enable you to work a few or as many hours as you wish

            PH work can provide full time employment

            PH work can provide a good quality of life

It is a relatively simple way of getting into YOUR own business

The following information may assist you, if considering work in the PH trade. 

HOW DO I BECOME A PRIVATE HIRE DRIVER?

OBTAINING A LICENSE

PH drivers must be licensed by a Local Authority (LA) in accordance with the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions Act 1976).To enable this, you will be required to supply various documents relating to your person, including: DVLA License; References and Passport Photographs.

Prior to a license being granted, various checks have to be made to establish your credibility and suitability: Criminal Records Bureau; Medical Examination; Topography Test (Knowledge); DVLA Check, together with character references.

Once the above checks have been carried out successfully, the LA are in a position to issue a license

WHAT IS THE *COST OF THIS PROCESS?

You will need to pay for:

Drivers Badge.                                                       *)

Vehicle (5) License / test if using your own vehicle.   *)    *Cost's vary depending upon the licensing authority.

(5) Taxi Insurance required to enable Plating process.

*Some companies may provide financial support / assistance.

HOW AND WHO DO I DECIDE WHO TO DRIVE FOR?

As a PH driver, you must be registered with a company, (usually called a 'base'). Your local Taxi Licensing department will perhaps advise or suggest who to approach; you may know someone who drives for a base; alternatively, speak to a selection of bases and ask what support they provide for new drivers.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR ME?

Do doubt like most people, you will want to know HOW MUCH you can EARN?

Work hard and be (2) committed, and you may well be surprised! 

(2) Committed means, being prepared to work when the DEMAND is there. Being prepared to be FLEXIBLE in your approach to work. TAXI WORK IS NOT A NINE TO FIVE JOB. Some days you might work 6 hours a day, some days longer.

NET earnings can vary and are influenced by hours worked and the nature of the work you do. £200-00 is reasonable, up to and in excess of £400-00 per week, having allowed for (3) business expenses. You may well have heard of drivers quoting some very high figures, these are usually GROSS TAKINGS, not wages! Some drivers work some part of seven days a week; clearly this being the case, *substantial earnings are possible.(*When compared to some alternative work)

(3) BUSINESS EXPENSES (Overheads [Fixed / variable] )

     a. Car (4) Rental / Purchase

     b. Depreciation

     c. Road Tax

     d. Insurance (5) Weekly / Other

     e. Maintenance

     f. Repairs (6)

     g. Board (Money paid to the base you drive for)

     f.  Plating & Badge fee's  

(4) CARS (Licensed / Plated) [(4a)Rented / Owned]

Vehicles for hire may be available from local (4a)providers. Such providers charge a weekly rate; some inclusive of insurance / maintenance. THEY DO NOT PAY FOR ANY DAMAGE TO VEHICLES!

     (4a) Please see Vehicle Suppliers page for assistance.

(5) INSURANCE

The cost of insurance varies for drivers of PH vehicle in much the same way as it does for other road users, except that underwriters take account of other factors. Some drivers currently pay the equivalent of around £21-00 per week, other drivers pay much more; this is entirely dependant upon personal criteria, and of course the type of insurance. Comprehensive / Third Party Fire & Theft / Third Party Only. Subject to the value of your vehicle, Comprehensive insurance is peace of mind. For other categories, (TP F & T and TPO) you as the insured take a much greater responsibility. (In exceptional cases, insurance can exceed £5000-00 per annum)

     (5a) Insurance is available:      Weekly (Special terms)

                                                     Quarterly

                                                     Annually (5b) Payable over varying periods depending upon the broker

Please refer to our Insurance Page for assistance.

As we have said elsewhere, DO NOT ACCEPT THE FIRST QUOTE YOU RECEIVE; SHOP AROUND ! ! ! ! ! 

We would also urge you to CHECK what you are getting for your money. 

The cheapest offer, does NOT always provide the best COVER.

 Legal Cover ?                      Never important>>>>>>>>>>>>until you need it!

Windscreen Cover ?             For what it cost's, it's well worth the money.

Accident Support                  Not always included in the price

Public Liability                      Better to be safe than sorry!

Check out our >>>>>> INSURANCE PAGE

(6) MAINTENANCE

To ensure the safety of the traveling public PH vehicles are subject to stringent tests. Some vehicles are tested, [MOT] once a year, some twice, for which a fee is payable. The test to which a vehicle is subjected, EXCEEDS that of the standard MOT. (Policies of some councils are under review for older vehicles). 

The cost of maintenance reflects upon the usual factors, multiplied, due to the nature of PH work.

BENEFITS? Your business as a PH driver,  enables you to benefit in various ways:

You are in business for YOURSELF.

You only have  to answer to yourself, no more bosses; it's YOUR business.

Your car is *paid for by your business

Your car repairs are *paid for by your business

The wear and tear of your vehicle is paid for by your business

Fuel is paid for by your business

You can, within reason, work as many, or as few hours as you wish. The more you work, the more you may earn.

Subject to the rules set by the *Inland Revenuer, and your own personal circumstances, certain advantages may be available as a self-employed person.

Note: *Not-withstanding Benefits in kind.

Work as a PH driver enables you to be selective with your work pattern, within reason: Taking children to school; Attending appointments; Ensuring you can attend those important football/cricket matches; Take holidays when YOU choose; Etc.

Should you wish to discuss PH work further, please contact the NPHA / ANPHO office.

Thank you for visiting our Web-site.

We trust you find our service constructive, informative and helpful.

NPHA & ANPHO wish to acknowledge the valuable contribution made by W. J. Augustine in the construction of this site.

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Copyright © 2003 Association of Nottinghamshire Private Hire Operators                                                                               

Last modified: July 25, 2003