Taxi licences

We licence both Hackney Carriage Vehicles and Private Hire Vehicles. Although the public can use both types of vehicle, there is a difference in the way they are operated and licensed.

Hackney Carriages

can be hired on the street or at taxi ranks
do not need to be pre-booked over the phone, although this is possible
display a roof sign that contains the word 'Taxi'. Please see details of the roof sign specification and guidance (1.1 MB) here or on the right hand side of this page
have a square WHITE licence plate with the South Oxfordshire District Council logo on the rear bumper of the vehicle with the details of the vehicle
public hire motor insurance is required before a licence is issued

Private Hire Vehicles (sometimes referred to as 'mini cabs')

MUST be pre-booked through a licensed Private Hire Operator before they can be used
are not permitted to have a roof sign
display a BLACK rectangular licence plate with the South Oxfordshire District Council logo on the rear bumper with full details of the vehicle
Private hire insurance motor insurance is required before a licence is issued

In South Oxfordshire taxis are not required to use a meter and are therefore allowed to charge a flat rate. However they must display a fare card and we would advise people to look at the fare card and check what method of charging will be used before they get into a taxi.

If someone feels that they have been incorrectly charged they should note down the driver and company name, which is on display in the taxi; along with the taxi licence number, which can be found on the licence plate at the back of the car. The licensing team will then investigate the situation further to find out if the correct fare has been charged.