You see the phrases on every taxi website, 'licensed', 'fully insured', 'DBS-checked', but what do they actually mean, and why should you care? When you are putting yourself, your family or your children in a stranger's car, these are exactly the words that matter. Here is what they mean and why they keep you safe.
- A licensed private hire driver and vehicle are vetted and regulated by the local council.
- An enhanced DBS check confirms the driver has no relevant criminal record, vital for school runs.
- Always book through a licensed operator; never use an unbooked, unlicensed car.
What does 'licensed' mean?
For private hire, three separate licences are involved: the driver, the vehicle and the operator are each licensed by the local council. To get and keep a licence, drivers pass background and medical checks and the vehicle must meet safety and insurance standards. It is a regulated system designed to protect passengers.
What is a DBS check?
A DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check screens a driver's criminal record. An enhanced DBS check, required for taxi and private hire drivers, is the most thorough level, and it is what allows a driver to be trusted with vulnerable passengers and children. It is why it matters so much for school runs.
Why does proper insurance matter?
A licensed private hire vehicle carries the correct hire-and-reward insurance, which covers fare-paying passengers, ordinary car insurance does not. Booking through a licensed operator means you are travelling in a properly insured vehicle, so you are protected if anything goes wrong.
How do you make sure your taxi is safe?
Book through a reputable, licensed operator rather than getting into an unbooked car, check the firm's licensing and reviews, and for children, confirm the driver is enhanced DBS-checked. Every GX Executive driver is licensed, fully insured and DBS-checked, see our service.
How to check before you book
You do not have to take a firm's word for it. Licensed operators display their licensing authority and number, drivers carry a council-issued badge, and a reputable company is happy to confirm that its drivers are DBS-checked and the vehicles correctly insured for private hire.
If you are arranging travel for a child or a vulnerable relative, ask the question directly, a trustworthy firm answers without hesitation. Every GX Executive driver is licensed, fully insured and DBS-checked, which is exactly the reassurance you should expect before putting your family in any car.