Driver Requirements
Any person driving a public service vehicle must be the holder of an appropriate licence. Most drivers who don't hold the appropriate licence also don't have insurance cover and this can, upon conviction, result in a
£5,000 fine and ,6-8 penalty points. The type of licence required depends on the number of passenger seats in the vehicle being hired.
Drivers of vehicles with 8 passenger seats or fewer are required to hold a valid taxi driver's licence. This
licence is only issued to drivers who have had their repute checked to ensure that they are a fit and proper person to hold a taxi driver's licence. This gives passengers some level of assurance that they will be
transported in relative safety.
The driver of a vehicle that is being used for weddings or funerals does not have to wear a taxi driver's badge. However, you can ask to see the driver's proof of licensing when booking the vehicle, or when it picks you up. A driver who is detected without the appropriate taxi driver's licence can, upon conviction, be
fined £1,000 and awarded 3-6 penalty points.