Vehicle licence and insurance basics

Even if you do not own a licensed vehicle, the handbook says you should know these requirements. This guide covers the vehicle side of private hire. It does not cover vehicle application fees or tests, which are on TfL's own pages.

The vehicle licence and licence discs

• Once a PHV is licensed, the registered keeper gets a vehicle licence, a leaflet describing the conditions, and licence discs fixed to the front and rear windscreens.
• A PHV licence lasts one year, and the vehicle needs another licensing inspection before a new one is issued.
• Do not damage, change or remove the discs, even when using the vehicle privately. They have security features, so removing them damages them permanently.
• If discs are damaged, lost or stolen, the owner should contact TfL immediately for replacements.
• You cannot use a vehicle for private hire if the discs are missing, badly damaged or spoilt.
• In exceptional cases a vehicle may have an exemption from displaying discs. You, the driver, must then carry the exemption notice whenever the vehicle is used as a PHV.

Hire or reward insurance

• Every PHV must have hire or reward insurance, valid when the vehicle is licensed and at all times when it is used as a PHV.
• TfL encourages you to carry details of the policy while working, plus evidence that you are insured to drive the vehicle under it (for example if your operator insures the vehicle). You can carry the details or display them in the vehicle.
• You must give the details to the police when asked.
• If the vehicle is in a collision, you must give the insurance details to a passenger or member of the public.

After a collision

Vehicles must be kept in good condition. If you own your PHV, tell TfL within 72 hours of any collision that affects its safety, performance, appearance or comfort. It may need re-examining before it can be used as a PHV again.

Letters about your vehicle

If you are the registered keeper, TfL or the manufacturer may write about a fault that needs repair. Follow the instructions. A letter may say the vehicle cannot be used for private hire until it is fixed.

Checks before you drive

The handbook says you are responsible for checking your vehicle is safe and legal. Its lists include the seat and seatbelts, steering, brakes and handbrake, warning lights, indicators, horn, wipers and washers, mirrors, doors and locks, heater, tyres (correct size and rating, free from cuts and bulges, and replaced when worn to the wear indicators), lights and reflectors, and signs of fluid leaks, serious rust or bad body repairs. If CCTV is fitted, the TfL sign must be displayed where passengers can see it without blocking the driver's view.

Charges and emissions

The handbook says PHVs entering the Congestion Charge zone pay the daily charge unless exempt, and PHVs must meet Ultra Low Emission Zone standards (petrol Euro 4, diesel Euro 6) or the driver pays a daily charge. Vehicles that TfL has designated as wheelchair accessible are exempt from both. Check TfL's website for current times, areas and prices, because we do not list them.

From 4 January 2027 PHVs must also display TfL signage in the rear windows. See PHV signage from 4 January 2027.