The basics
Taxi (hackney carriage): can be hailed in the street and use taxi ranks.
Private hire (PHV/rideshare): pre-booked only. Cannot be hailed or use ranks.
Plates in North Yorkshire: taxis use white plates, private hire uses blue plates.
Taxi vs rideshare • North Yorkshire
Taxi vs rideshare: what’s licensed, insured and safe in Thirsk.
The quick differences between taxis (hackney carriage), private hire/rideshare, what “licensed and insured” means in North Yorkshire, and what to check before you get in.
Bottom line: private hire/rideshare must be pre-booked through a licensed operator. Look for council plates/badges and make sure the booking matches the car/driver.
What “licensed and insured” means
- Driver licence: “fit and proper” checks; required for taxi or private hire drivers.
- Vehicle licence: V5C/ownership, MOT, and insurance that covers carriage for private hire (hire-and-reward).
- Operator licence: all private hire bookings must go through a licensed operator. Drivers can’t accept bookings without one.
Why it matters
- Contract is with a licensed operator, not just the driver.
- Vehicle/driver should meet council licensing checks; there is an enforcement/complaints route.
- Insurance is for paid passenger transport (not just social/commuting).
Quick safety checks
- Make sure private hire/rideshare was pre-booked and the operator told you the car/driver details.
- Look for council identifiers: badge and plate (white taxi, blue private hire).
- If the driver can’t confirm your booking or no council ID is visible, use another provider.
Taxi vs rideshare FAQ (Thirsk & North Yorkshire)
Plain-English answers based on North Yorkshire Council rules.
Can private hire/rideshare pick up without a booking?
No. Private hire vehicles (including app-based rideshare) must be pre-booked through a licensed operator. Hailing them on the street or at ranks is not allowed.
How do I know a car is licensed?
Look for the council plate (white for taxi, blue for private hire) and the driver badge. Your booking should include the car/driver details—check they match.
Does Uber offer the same protections?
Uber journeys are private hire bookings. The driver and vehicle must still be licensed, insured for hire-and-reward, and operate under an appropriate operator licence. Standards can vary by licensing authority, so always check the booking details and the visible IDs.
What should I ask when I book?
Confirm pickup location/time, destination, price basis, vehicle type, and any accessibility needs (wheelchair, assistance dog, extra boarding time). Ask about payment method (card/cash/PayPal).
Are there wheelchair-accessible vehicles?
North Yorkshire keeps a public register of designated wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Tell the operator your requirements at booking and request a suitable vehicle.
How do I raise a concern?
Note the driver badge, plate number/colour, and booking details, then contact the operator and North Yorkshire Council licensing if needed.