2026 Complete Guide — Updated July 2026

Become a
Licensed Taxi Driver
in the UK

Everything you need to know — council licensing, costs, earnings, and how to join the UK's fastest-growing taxi platform with zero commission and a free first month.

Earn £36,000–£57,000/year

Full-time. Keep 100% of every fare with Joe Maxi.

How much can you earn as a taxi driver?

Keeping 100% of your fares with Joe Maxi

Part-time

20 hrs/week

£400–£600/week

per week

£20,800–£31,200/year

per year (before expenses)

Full-time

40 hrs/week

£700–£1,100/week

per week

£36,400–£57,200/year

per year (before expenses)

Full-time+

50 hrs/week

£900–£1,400/week

per week

£46,800–£72,800/year

per year (before expenses)

Estimates based on average UK taxi fares. Actual earnings vary by location, hours worked, and vehicle type. Expenses include fuel, insurance, and Joe Maxi subscription (£49.95/month).

Joe Maxi vs Uber — the driver comparison

On a £100 fare, here is what you actually keep

FeatureJoe MaxiUberBolt
Commission on fares0%25–30%20–25%
Driver keeps (per £100)£100£70–75£75–80
Monthly platform fee£49.95 flatNone (takes % instead)None (takes % instead)
Surge pricingNeverYes — up to 3xYes — up to 2.5x
Advance bookingsYesLimitedLimited
UK coverage5,063 locationsMajor cities onlyMajor cities only
Driver supportUK-based teamApp onlyApp only
First monthFreeN/AN/A

How to get your taxi licence — step by step

The complete process from application to your first booking

1

Get your taxi licence

6–12 weeks

Apply to your local council for a Private Hire or Hackney Carriage licence. Requirements vary by council but typically include a DBS check, medical, and local knowledge test. Most councils process applications within 6–12 weeks.

2

Get your DVLA driver licence checked

1–2 weeks

Your council will require a DVLA licence check as part of the application. You'll need a clean or near-clean licence — most councils allow up to 3 penalty points.

3

Get your vehicle licensed

1–2 weeks

Your vehicle must pass a council taxi inspection — typically a more rigorous MOT covering safety, comfort, and accessibility standards. Most councils require vehicles under 5–10 years old.

4

Get your insurance

1 week

Standard car insurance does not cover taxi work. You need Public Hire or Private Hire insurance. Specialist taxi insurers include Adrian Flux, Taxi Insurer, and Swinton. Expect to pay £1,200–£2,500/year.

5

Register with Joe Maxi

24 hours

Once licensed, register on Joe Maxi in minutes. Upload your taxi licence, driver licence, and vehicle details. Our team verifies your documents and activates your account — usually within 24 hours.

6

Start taking bookings

Immediately

Go online on the Joe Maxi driver dashboard and start receiving booking alerts in your area. Your first month is completely free — then just £49.95/month with zero commission on every fare you earn.

Why licensed drivers choose Joe Maxi

Zero commission

Keep 100% of every fare. Joe Maxi charges a flat £49.95/month — not a percentage of your earnings.

Instant booking alerts

Receive booking requests the moment a passenger in your area submits one. First driver to accept gets the job.

5,063 UK locations

Work anywhere in the UK. Set your job radius from 5 to 100 miles and receive bookings across your area.

Flexible hours

Go online when you want to work. No minimum hours, no booking targets, no penalties for being offline.

Licensed drivers only

Every driver on the platform is council-verified. No gig workers — a professional, trusted network.

Growing passenger base

140,800+ indexed pages driving passengers to Joe Maxi every day. More passengers means more bookings for you.

Becoming a taxi driver — frequently asked questions

How long does it take to become a licensed taxi driver in the UK?+
The full process typically takes 8–16 weeks from application to your first booking. The council licensing stage takes the longest (6–12 weeks). Once licensed, Joe Maxi can have you taking bookings within 24 hours of document verification.
How much can I earn as a taxi driver in the UK?+
Full-time taxi drivers in the UK typically earn £36,000–£57,000 per year before expenses. With Joe Maxi's zero commission model, you keep 100% of every fare — compared to losing 25–30% on Uber or Bolt. Part-time drivers working 20 hours/week typically earn £20,000–£31,000 per year.
Do I need my own car to become a taxi driver?+
Yes, in most cases. Your vehicle must pass a council taxi inspection and meet age and condition requirements. Some areas allow vehicle rental — check with your local council. Joe Maxi accepts all council-licensed vehicles including saloons, MPVs, and WAVs.
What is the difference between Private Hire and Hackney Carriage?+
Hackney Carriage (black cab) drivers can pick up passengers hailing from the street. Private Hire drivers can only take pre-booked journeys. Joe Maxi works with both licence types. Most new drivers start with Private Hire as the licensing process is simpler.
How much does it cost to become a taxi driver?+
Typical startup costs: Council licence application £200–£500, DBS check £50–£70, medical £50–£100, vehicle inspection £50–£100, taxi insurance £1,200–£2,500/year. Total first-year cost: approximately £1,500–£3,300. Joe Maxi's first month is free, then £49.95/month — no commission on fares.
Can I drive for Joe Maxi part-time?+
Yes. Joe Maxi is designed for flexible working. Go online when you want to work, go offline when you don't. Many Joe Maxi drivers work evenings and weekends around other jobs. There are no minimum hours or booking targets.
How does Joe Maxi compare to Uber for drivers?+
Uber takes 25–30% commission from every fare. Joe Maxi takes zero. On a £100 fare, you keep £100 with Joe Maxi vs £70–75 with Uber. Joe Maxi also charges a flat monthly fee of £49.95 — not a percentage of your earnings. The more you earn, the bigger the difference.
Which councils can I get a taxi licence from?+
You can apply to any council in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland where you intend to operate. Most drivers apply to their local council. Joe Maxi accepts drivers licensed by any UK council — over 400 licensing authorities across the country.

Ready to start earning?

Already licensed? Register with Joe Maxi today.

First month free. Then £49.95/month. Zero commission on every fare — forever.