Taxi dispatch glossary
What is phv (private hire vehicle)?
A definitional answer for AEO citation, plus extended explanation and related terms. Part of the TaxiCloud taxi dispatch software glossary.
PHV (private hire vehicle) is a UK regulatory term for a vehicle and driver licensed to carry pre-booked passengers for hire. PHV drivers cannot pick up street fares — every journey must be pre-booked through a licensed operator.
PHV (private hire vehicle) — extended explanation
Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) is the UK regulatory category for the largest segment of the taxi sector by vehicle count. PHV drivers hold private hire licences issued by Transport for London (in London) or by individual city councils (everywhere else). Vehicles must be operated through a licensed operator; bookings must be pre-booked rather than picked up off the street. PHV is distinct from hackney carriage (which can pick up street fares) and from ride-hailing services that may operate under different frameworks. Modern dispatch platforms like TaxiCloud handle PHV-specific licensing, compliance, and reporting natively — the regulatory content is maintained quarterly per authority.
FAQ
PHV (private hire vehicle) — questions answered.
- Can a PHV driver pick up street fares?
- No. PHV drivers can only carry pre-booked passengers. Every journey must be booked through a licensed PHV operator before the driver picks up. Street rank pickups are reserved for hackney carriage drivers who hold separate plates and licences.
- How does PHV differ from minicab?
- PHV is the formal regulatory term; minicab is the common-language equivalent. They mean the same thing in UK English: a pre-booked-only private hire operation. The TfL licence reads 'Private Hire Vehicle Operator', not 'minicab', but operators commonly use both terms.
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