Zero commission · Keep 100% of every fare

Become a
Private Hire Driver

Complete guide to getting your UK Private Hire licence in 2026 — and how to earn more by driving with Joe Maxi instead of Uber.

Commission taken

£49.95

Flat monthly fee

6–12 wks

Licence timeline

400+

Councils accepted

Private Hire vs Hackney Carriage — which licence?

Most new drivers start with Private Hire — it's easier to obtain and works perfectly with Joe Maxi's pre-booking model.

Private HireHackney Carriage

Can pick up street hails—

Can use taxi ranks—

Must be pre-booked—

Licence issued by council

Licence difficultyEasierHarder (knowledge test)

Typical licence cost£200–£500£300–£800+

Works with Joe Maxi

How to get your Private Hire licence — step by step

From application to first booking — typically 6–12 weeks

Apply for your Private Hire licence

Contact your local council licensing department to apply for a Private Hire Driver licence. Requirements vary by council but typically include: a DBS (criminal record) check, a medical examination (DVLA Group 2 standard or council equivalent), a local knowledge or topography test, and proof of your right to work in the UK. Most councils process applications within 6–12 weeks.

Tip: You do not need to live in the council area to apply — you can apply to any UK council. Some councils have shorter waiting times than others.

Get your vehicle licensed

Your vehicle must also be licensed by the council as a Private Hire Vehicle (PHV). Requirements typically include: a vehicle inspection (age, condition, and emissions standards vary by council), a valid MOT, and proof of insurance. Most councils require the vehicle to be no older than 5–10 years.

Tip: You can use your own car if it meets the council's vehicle standards. Many drivers start with their existing vehicle.

Get hire and reward insurance

Standard car insurance does not cover taxi or private hire work. You need "hire and reward" insurance — also called PHV insurance or taxi insurance. Specialist insurers include Adrian Flux, Taxi Insurer, and Swinton Taxi. Expect to pay £1,200–£2,500/year depending on your vehicle, age, and driving history.

Tip: Shop around — prices vary significantly between insurers. Some offer monthly payment plans to spread the cost.

Register with Joe Maxi

Once you have your Private Hire Driver licence, PHV licence, and hire and reward insurance, register as a driver on Joe Maxi. Upload your licence documents, set your operating area and job radius, and you're ready to receive booking requests. No interview, no waiting list — just register and go.

Tip: Joe Maxi accepts drivers licensed by all 400+ UK licensing authorities. You can drive anywhere in the UK once registered.

How much can you earn as a private hire driver?

With Joe Maxi — zero commission, keep 100% of every fare

Hours/weekWeekly faresMonthlyAnnual

20 hrs/week~£400/week~£1,600/month~£19,200/year

30 hrs/week~£600/week~£2,400/month~£28,800/year

40 hrs/week~£800/week~£3,200/month~£38,400/year

Estimates based on average UK private hire fares. Actual earnings vary by location, hours, and demand. Minus £49.95/month Joe Maxi fee and running costs.

Joe Maxi vs Uber — on a £20 fare

Joe Maxi

£20.00

You keep 100% of the fare

Minus £1.33/day platform fee (£49.95/month)

Uber

£14–£15

After 25–30% commission cut

Uber keeps £5–£6 from every fare

Private hire driver — frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get a Private Hire licence?

Most UK councils process Private Hire Driver licence applications within 6–12 weeks, depending on DBS check turnaround and council workload. Some councils are faster — it's worth checking processing times before you apply.

How much does a Private Hire licence cost?

Costs vary by council but typically range from £200–£500 for the driver licence and £150–£400 for the vehicle licence. You'll also need to budget for the DBS check (£40–£70), medical examination (£50–£150), and any required knowledge test.

Do I need a new car to become a private hire driver?

Not necessarily. Many councils allow vehicles up to 5–10 years old, depending on their standards. Your vehicle must pass a council inspection and hold a valid MOT. Check your local council's vehicle age and emissions requirements before applying.

What is the difference between Private Hire and Hackney Carriage?

Private Hire drivers can only take pre-booked journeys — they cannot pick up passengers hailing from the street or use taxi ranks. Hackney Carriage drivers can do both. The Private Hire licence is generally easier and cheaper to obtain, making it the most common starting point for new drivers.

Can I drive for Joe Maxi with a Private Hire licence?

Yes. Joe Maxi accepts drivers with both Private Hire and Hackney Carriage licences, issued by any of the 400+ UK licensing authorities. Once you have your licence, PHV licence, and hire and reward insurance, you can register and start receiving bookings.

How much can I earn as a private hire driver with Joe Maxi?

Earnings depend on your hours, location, and the fares you agree with passengers. Joe Maxi takes zero commission — you keep 100% of every fare. Drivers working 30–40 hours per week typically earn £2,400–£3,200/month in fares, minus the £49.95/month platform fee and running costs.

Do I need to work full time as a private hire driver?

No. Joe Maxi is flexible — you choose your own hours. Many drivers start part-time alongside other work, then move to full-time once they're established. There are no minimum hours or booking requirements.

Is Joe Maxi better than Uber for private hire drivers?

Joe Maxi takes zero commission from drivers — you keep 100% of every fare. Uber takes 25–30% from every fare. On a £20 fare, Joe Maxi drivers keep £20; Uber drivers keep £14–£15. Joe Maxi charges a flat £49.95/month instead, which pays for itself after just 2–3 fares.

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Ready to start earning as a private hire driver?

Zero commission. £49.95/month flat fee. Keep every penny you earn.

Become aPrivate Hire Driver