Private hire driver licence vs dual driver licence
A private hire driver licence lets you drive pre-booked private hire vehicles only. A dual driver licence (where offered) combines private hire and hackney carriage privileges in one licence.
The key difference
With a private hire-only licence you can take pre-booked jobs. With a dual licence you can also take street hails and rank work where hackney carriage privileges apply.
Which is better?
It depends on how you want to work:
- If you only intend to work for a pre-booked operator or app, a private hire licence may be enough.
- If you want flexibility to also take rank and hail work, a dual licence may suit you — if your council offers it.
Requirements
A dual licence may have additional requirements or fees because it covers both licence types. Confirm the council's current requirements for each.
Availability
Not all councils offer a dual driver licence. Confirm what your council offers before deciding.
How Smart Taxi Solutions can help
We provide application support and test preparation for both routes. We do not issue licences or make decisions.
This article is general information. Confirm current requirements with the relevant council.