Taxi or private hire differences

This page explains the types of licences required to operate a taxi or private hire car in South Lanarkshire. It covers the licences for vehicles and drivers, what each licence permits, and the rules licence holders must follow. You can use this page to understand the differences of each licence and what you should look out for if using.

Taxi operator licence

A taxi operator licence covers the vehicle. Each taxi must display a front and rear plate, door stickers and window stickers showing the licence number and area. The rear plate also shows the expiry dates for the licence and vehicle inspection, along with the make, model and registration. The background colour of these is white.

Taxis in South Lanarkshire must have a roof sign showing the word “taxi”.

Only taxis can pick up passengers from the street, from taxi ranks or in any public place. You can signal a taxi to stop for an immediate journey.

Taxis must have a taxi fares meter and a fares card on display. Drivers cannot charge more than the fare shown on the meter, unless the fares card lists special circumstances. They can charge less.

Private hire car operator licence

A private hire car operator licence is also for the vehicle. These vehicles display a rear plate, door stickers and window stickers. The rear plate also shows the expiry dates for the licence and vehicle inspection, along with the make, model and registration. The background colour of these are yellow.

Private hire cars cannot pick up passengers from the street or sit at taxi ranks. All journeys must be pre-booked and the fare agreed in advance.

A taxi meter may also be fitted but must meet the same standards as a taxi operator and be checked and sealed by us.

Driver licences

A taxi driver licence allows you to drive both taxis and private hire cars. A white background photo ID issued by us must be on display in the vehicle and shown if a passenger asks.

A private hire car driver licence only allows the driver to drive private hire cars for prebooked hires. A yellow background photo ID issued by us must also be on display in the vehicle and shown if a passenger asks.

Checks, tests and insurance

Police Scotland carry out background checks on all applicants. Who must provide documents to support their application.

Drivers must pass a local knowledge test.

Vehicles must pass a compliance test every year, and twice a year once they are over five years old.

All operators must have insurance that covers carrying passengers for hire or reward. Private hire drivers who take non booked hires may not be insured.

Licence conditions:
Taxi/private hire operator licence conditions
Taxi/private hire driver licence conditions