Getting out and about

How to check a taxi is licensed

A licensed taxi driver must wear an ID badge. This will show:

• their photograph
• badge number
• license expiry date

Hackney carriage drivers also have a taxi plate fitted to the rear of their vehicle and a smaller one in the front window.

Make sure you check the taxi is the one you have booked

When you book a taxi, the operator will usually give you the:

• name of the driver
• make, model and colour of the vehicle
• vehicle registration number

Use these details to check the vehicle before you approach it and get in.

You should also ask the driver to:

• confirm your name and destination - don’t give the driver these details as an unlicensed taxi driver may just agree with whatever name or destination you tell them
• show you their driver’s identification badge

While in the vehicle

Sit in the back where possible.

Always wear your seatbelt so you are safer if there is an accident.

If you want to chat, be aware of what you are telling the driver. It is best to keep the subject light by discussing things like the weather or sport.

Reduced fares are not available for older people and/or people with disabilities for taxi travel. If you choose to travel by taxi, we recommend you ask the driver (or operator if you book) how much they think the fare will be beforehand.

Most taxis use taxi meters to work out how much you will pay for your journey. Check the taxi meter is showing the minimum fare before you set off. You should not be charged more than is shown on the taxi meter.

Get your payment ready when you are near to where you're going.

We recommend that you pre-book your taxi if possible - this is to make sure you get a licensed taxi.

When you book, tell the operator:

• what time you want the taxi
• where you are
• where you want to go
• if you are travelling with a wheelchair or assistance dog

Make sure you also:

• ask how much the fare will be
• book your return journey where possible

Save the telephone number of the taxi company in your mobile phone, or write it down, and take it with you - just in case your plans change or you need to check if they are delayed.

You can check with licensed taxi drivers if they have vehicles designated as wheelchair accessible.

This means that they are capable of carrying a ‘reference size’ wheelchair that has a:

• length of 1,200mm or less, including extra-long footplates
• width of 700mm or less
• sitting height of 1,350mm or less (measured from the ground to the top of head)
• footrest that is 150mm or more from the ground

If you travel with an assistance dog, a taxi driver has a legal duty to allow them into their vehicle unless they have an exemption. They cannot charge you extra for your dog.

Types of dogs allowed in vehicles

The following dogs may travel with you in a taxi:

• guide dogs trained by the The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association
• hearing dogs trained by Hearing Dogs for Deaf People
• assistance dogs who help with autism, epilepsy or a physical disability - these will have been trained by either Dogs for the Disabled, Support Dogs or Canine Partners

Please make sure you carry the identification card issued for your dog, and that the dog is wearing their guide dog harness, or their jacket showing the name of the charity who trained them. This helps the taxi driver to identify them from other dogs.

Assistance dog behaviour

Your dog should stay on the floor of the taxi at all times. However, they should be allowed to remain next to you.

Make sure your dog is under control. If your dog causes any damage the driver may ask you to pay for it.

Drivers exempt from carrying assistance dogs

Some drivers may be exempt from carrying assistance dogs in their vehicle as they have a medical condition, such as severe asthma, that is aggravated when they are in contact with dogs. Any driver who has been granted an exemption will display a yellow exemption certificate in their vehicle.