There are 2 different kinds of taxi in the UK and each is essentially quite different from the other.The first are known as licensed taxis and are recognisable by the yellow lights on the roof of the car and by vehicle markings, usually saying ‘Taxi’ on the side.

Licensed Taxis

You will see taxis on the city streets and can make them stop for you by holding out your hand, known as 'hailing a cab'. Alternatively you will find them in designated waiting places - usually in town centres or by train stations – known in the UK as 'cab ranks'.

The UK is famous for its black cabs – essentially a licensed taxi – these are very distinctive vehicles that are recognized around the world. You will find them in most of the UK’s major cities. Each black cab driver is required to undergo a vigorous training process that takes over 2 years to complete. This is known in the UK as ‘doing the knowledge’ and means that your driver should know every street by memory in the city where they operate. You can have a look for one in our "Find a..." section.

Mini Cabs

The second type of taxi is known in the UK as a mini-cab. These look like normal cars and have no markings; they are available either by telephone or from the mini-cab office on your local high street; recognizable by the yellow flashing light above the front-door. Mini-cabs still require a license from the Local Council which proves that are registered and, more importantly, carry the correct insurance in the event of an accident.

Mini-cab drivers do not have to pass the same rigorous tests as licensed cab drivers, so when catching a mini-cab make sure that your driver knows the way to your destination before you set off.

Charges 

When hailing a black cab - or if outside a major city a licensed taxi – you will be charged for the amount of time that your journey takes to complete as well as additional charges that depend on specific factors, such as how much luggage you have and how many people are in the car. These charges should be added to the meter before your journey begins, so that the amount displayed on the meter at the end of the journey is the amount you pay.

Mini cabs are different in that you agree the cost of the journey before you set off. So when ordering a mini-cab on the phone just ask the operator how much the journey will cost, and you will know the fee.

Tipping 

There are no set rules in the UK when it comes to tipping cab drivers. It is much more common to leave a tip for a licensed cab driver than a mini-cab driver, and when people do tip they normally round up the amount to the nearest £5.

Do not feel under pressure to leave a tip if your cab driver is rude, gets lost or takes a deliberately long route to your destination. This isn’t New York. So relax.

Safety 

Although the UK taxi industry is well regulated and most cab drivers have been in the same job for many years there are some safety measures to consider.

Unlicensed mini-cabs continue to operate late at night in the UK’s city centres. When leaving a bar or nightclub you may be approached by men offering to drive you home, these drivers are usually unregulated and whilst most of them will happily agree a price with you before you set off, you should be aware that in the event of an accident you will not be insured for any injuries that you sustain.

Women are particularly discouraged from using these unlicensed drivers at night because of the risks posed by getting into a car with a complete stranger late at night. Make sure that you check his license before setting off, this is issued by the local council and should be clearly displayed in his car. You should also make sure that you have the company’s name and address – just ask for a business card.

So even though it may be tempting to jump in a car and get home after a long night out on the town, always look for a licensed taxi or a mini-cab office, there are lots in city centres so take the time to find one. It helps if you plan your journey home before setting off, why not start now by looking in our "Find a..." section first. 

By John Hillman

USEFUL WORDS

taxicab (short forms = taxi or cab)
minicab = a car you have to order by telephone and cannot stop in the street
taxi stand / rank = the place where taxis park while they are waiting for passengers
taxi driver

take a taxi / cab
order/call a taxi / cab

a taxi ride
hail a taxi = to signal to a taxi to get the driver to stop
fare = the money that you pay
waiting time = money that you pay a taxi driver to wait for you to return (e.g. outside a shop)
metered fare = a fee which depends on the distance travelled or time taken
flat fare = a fixed fee that you pay for your journey, which is agreed in advance

Phrasal Verbs

flag down a taxi = to signal to a taxi driver to stop by waving at them

pick up a passenger = collect a passenger

drop off a passenger = stop to allow a passenger to leave

get into a taxi = enter a taxi

get out of a taxi = leave a taxi

GRAMMAR SPOT

Adverb Word Order

Adverbs of indefinite time and frequency normally go in the middle:

I often take a taxi home from the town centre.

Adverbs of definite time normally go at the end:

I’ll see you tomorrow.

Adverbs which say how well or how badly normally go at the end:

He drives very badly.

When there are two adverbs of position, the larger place goes last:

I studied in a language school in London.

The usual position for adverbial clauses is at the end:

Sarah took a cab to the office after she had finished her breakfast.

Adverbials usually follow the order: manner, place, time:

He put it secretly (manner) into his wallet (place) two minutes ago (time).