Who can legally drive a private hire vehicle?
Driving a licensed private hire vehicle (PHV) is a privilege reserved for those who meet stringent legal requirements. While it might seem straightforward to use such a vehicle for personal or business purposes, strict rules govern who can and cannot drive it. These rules are in place to ensure the safety of passengers and compliance with insurance regulations.
To legally operate a licensed PHV for hire and reward, the driver must hold a valid private hire driver’s licence. This licence is issued by the local authority responsible for the area in which the vehicle operates or, in London, by Transport for London (TfL).
Another crucial aspect of driving a PHV is insurance. The vehicle must be insured for “hire and reward” use, a specific type of cover designed for vehicles carrying paying passengers. Standard car insurance does not extend to private hire activities, and driving without proper insurance is not only illegal but could lead to severe penalties.
Some may wonder whether they can drive a licensed PHV for personal use when it is not in service. Technically, the owner of a PHV can drive it privately, but only if they hold a valid private hire driver’s licence and have insurance that covers both personal and hire and reward use. Importantly, this exception applies only to the licensed driver. No one else, including family members or friends, can drive the vehicle under any circumstances, even if it is being used solely for personal reasons at the time.
Family and friends therefore face restrictions. If a family member does not possess a private hire driver’s licence, they are not permitted to drive the vehicle, even for non-commercial use. Most private hire vehicle insurance policies are strictly tied to licensed drivers, meaning that an unlicensed driver would not be covered by the insurance. Driving without the correct insurance is illegal and can result in penalties, fines, or the suspension of the vehicle’s licence.
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