WHICH IS THE BEST MINICAB OR TAXI COMPANY TO WORK FOR?
All You Need to Know About Becoming a Taxi or Private Hire Driver in London
Thinking about becoming a taxi driver or private hire driver in London? Whether you’re starting fresh or switching careers, driving professionally can be one of the most flexible and rewarding ways to work. You’ll set your own schedule, meet new people every day, and enjoy the independence of being your own boss with the security of working alongside a trusted operator.
But before you get on the road, it’s important to know your options. Not all driving platforms or taxi companies are built the same. Some focus on volume and short-term flexibility; others, like Addison Lee, offer long-term support, guaranteed earnings, and a clear path to build a stable income.
Here’s everything you need to know about becoming a licensed driver and how to choose the best company to work for once you’re ready.
The First Step: Getting Licensed
Before you can start earning as a professional driver, you’ll need to apply for a PCO (Private Hire Driver) licence from Transport for London (TfL).
To qualify, you’ll need to:
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Hold a full UK, NI, or EU/EEA driving licence for 3+ years.
- Pass a Group 2 medical examination to prove fitness to drive professionally.
- Complete an enhanced DBS check (criminal record check).
- Pass your topographical test (route-planning and map-reading).
- Pass your English language and SERU assessment (Safety, Equality & Regulatory Understanding) to show you know TfL’s regulations and safety standards.
Once your application is approved, you’ll be ready to drive with a licensed operator. That’s when the real question begins: who should you drive for?
Which Is the Best Taxi or Private Hire Company to Work For?
When you’re becoming a taxi driver or PHV driver in London, choosing the right operator can make all the difference. You’ll want fair pay, reliable support and a company that respects your time and professionalism.
Two of the biggest names you’ll likely compare are Uber and Addison Lee. Both give you access to London’s busy passenger market, but the experience of driving for each can be very different.
Is it Better to Drive for Uber or Addison Lee?
| Benefits | Addison Lee | Uber |
| Guaranteed to earn at least the London living wage | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Access to state-of-the-art electric and ZEC cars to drive, at the lowest rental rates around | ✔️ | ❌ |
| You are self-employed and get to set your own hours | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Vehicle insurance cover | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Vehicles are serviced, maintained and repaired in-house by dedicated professionals | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Vehicles undergo 3 car washes per week | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Option to join an industry-leading pension scheme | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Access to lucrative Account work with London’s biggest businesses | ✔️ | ❌ |
Uber offers flexibility, but Addison Lee combines independence with structure, meaning you can still choose your hours while enjoying guaranteed earnings, maintained vehicles and benefits that help you plan long-term.
Why More Drivers Are Choosing Addison Lee
At Addison Lee, we’re part of how London moves. For 50 years, we’ve been connecting passengers, businesses, and drivers across the capital.
- Scale: 10 million+ passengers a year.
- Trust: Over 80% of the FTSE 100 choose Addison Lee.
- Support: 6, 500+ vehicles in central London, serviced by in-house teams.
- Sustainability: A ULEZ-compliant, 100% emission-offset fleet.
- Future-ready: Pioneers of London’s EV transition and the first UK ground transport app.
We don’t just recruit drivers. We build careers. Whether you’re looking for full-time earnings or flexible hours, our support network, training resources and commitment to driver welfare make Addison Lee the clear choice for professional, long-term driving in London.
Why Work with Addison Lee?
Joining Addison Lee means:
- Guaranteed income from day one.
- Zero-rental EV options for qualified drivers.
- 24/7 driver support, servicing, and vehicle replacement when needed.
- Account and corporate bookings that provide consistent work.
- An industry-leading pension scheme for a stable future.
You’ll still enjoy full flexibility as a self-employed driver but with the benefits of being part of London’s best-known and most established private hire network.
The Road Ahead
Becoming a taxi driver or private hire driver is about more than earning. It’s about independence, connection, and being part of how this city moves.
At Addison Lee, we make that journey easier, fairer, and more rewarding. If you’re ready to start driving professionally in London and want to work with a company that’s built for drivers, not just passengers, we’d love to help you take the next step.
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