First-week checklist for new PHV drivers

You have your licence and badge. Before you take your first booking, it is worth spending a few hours making sure the basics are right. This checklist is built from the handbook. Where the handbook is silent, we say so. Treat it as a starting point, then add what your operator tells you.

Day 1: documents and details

• Read your licence letter from start to finish. The handbook says it contains important information on your responsibilities and any conditions, and that failing to comply may lead to revocation.
• Note the expiry date shown on your badge and put a reminder in your calendar. The licence normally lasts three years. See renewing your licence.
• Store the licence at home in a safe place, as the handbook says, and wear your badge when working.
• Check your contact details with TfL are correct. The handbook says to report a change of address within 21 days, and to tell TfL of any email or phone change.
• Give each operator a copy of your licence. The handbook says operators must keep copies of your PHV licence and your driving licence.

Day 2: the vehicle

• Check the licence discs on the front and rear windscreens, undamaged. The handbook says you cannot use a vehicle for private hire if they are missing or badly damaged, unless exempt.
• Check hire or reward insurance is valid. Carry the details, or display them, and know where to find proof you are insured to drive the vehicle.
• Do the full vehicle check in our safer driving guide: lights, tyres, seatbelts, interior, windscreen view.
• Set up your devices so nothing sits in the swept area of the windscreen.
• If you own the vehicle, remember the 72-hour rule for reporting a collision that affects safety, performance, appearance or comfort.
• If you have CCTV, display the required sign.

See also vehicle licence and insurance basics.

Day 3: your operator

Ask your operator, and write down the answers:

• How does it protect drivers from aggressive passengers? Do they offer a lone worker device?
• What should you do if a passenger disagrees with the fare or cannot pay? What is the receipt arrangement? The handbook says to check these.
• How do you report incidents, complaints and lost property?
• Does it offer ridesharing, and if so, what training does it provide?
• What is its operator licence number? If you are unsure an operator is licensed, the handbook says to ask for the number and check it on TfL's online licence checker.

See operator basics.

Day 4: the never list

• Never pick up anyone who has not booked through a licensed operator, including outside your operator's centre.
• Never let a passenger get in before you have the booking.
• Never signal or say anything suggesting you are available for hire without a booking.
• Never use a taxi rank, electric taxi charge point or bus lane.
• Never stop on zig-zag lines or leave your engine running while waiting.
• Never use a hand-held phone while driving, even in a queue.
• Never let anyone use your badge.

Detail is in our driving and parking rules guide.

Day 5: passenger care

• Check name and destination before the passenger gets in.
• Tell them the route, time and fare.
• Ask if help is needed and wait for the offer to be accepted.
• Keep pen and paper handy.
• Check for belongings after every journey, including the boot.
• Tell your operator about any change to the destination, extra passengers or extra luggage.

Read equality duties, assistance dogs and safeguarding now, before a tricky situation arrives.

Day 6: when things go wrong

• Know the numbers in the handbook: 999 for emergencies, 101 for non-emergency reports, 0800 789 321 for the anti-terrorist hotline.
• Read difficult and intoxicated passengers.
• Know what to report to TfL and how quickly. See what you must tell TfL.
• Know what to do if your badge goes missing: lost or stolen badge.

Day 7: look after yourself

The handbook says tiredness can affect you like alcohol. Plan breaks, and do not begin a journey if you are already tired. Check what money you are actually making with our earnings calculator, which works before tax. We do not give tax advice, and the handbook is silent on self-employment beyond noting that some visa holders may not be self-employed, so speak to a qualified adviser.

What this checklist cannot cover

Your operator's app, pay terms, insurance policy and local knowledge are outside the handbook. Ask your operator and read your own documents.

General information, not legal, tax or insurance advice.