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PHV Driver Rights & Responsibilities: What You Should Know
A private hire vehicle (PHV) driver is a rewarding job to earn at your own terms and to choose your working hours and control your earnings.
It is indeed a great source to earn a passive income as a side job or a full time role. If you are someone looking to transition your job as a PHV driver, you must remember that your freedom comes with responsibility.
This guide is your go-to if you’re just starting out as a PHV driver or if you would just like a quick read into what PHV driver rights are.
Understanding both sides of the coin is essential to protecting yourself, your passengers, and your livelihood.
Let’s dive right into what PHV driver rights and responsibilities are, especially if you’re driving with ONTrack.
Your Rights As a PHV Driver
As customers have a specific set of rights, it is only fair that PHV drivers do too. Driving passengers around doesn’t mean being driven over. You have legal PHV Driver rights made to support you and keep things fair.
1. The Right to a Safe Working Environment
Just as passengers expect safety, so do you. You’re entitled to:
- Deny service to any abusive, aggressive or drunk passengers.
- Any risk to your safety is enough of a reason to refuse.
- Operate in a clean, well-maintained vehicle.
- Work reasonable hours with rest as needed.
Working on your own terms often leads to overworking and burning yourself out. Safety goes both ways, and your well-being comes first.
2. The Right to Fair Pay
If you’re working with a licensed operator, you deserve fair compensation. Operators should ensure that drivers earn consistently and transparently, with no shady deductions or hidden fees.
Your time, fuel, and effort are respected.
3. The Right to Choose When You Work
PHV driving offers flexibility.
One of the important aspects of PHV driver rights is that you have the liberty to choose your own schedule. Whether they are quick morning runs or late-night shifts, you decide when and how often you drive.
4. Protection from Discrimination
The Equality Act 2010 protects drivers from being treated unfairly due to race, gender, religion, age, disability, or sexual orientation. If you ever experience discrimination from passengers or within the system, you have every right to report it.
Your Responsibilities as a PHV Driver
As important as being informed about your PHV driver rights are, with rights come responsibilities. Staying at the top of powers helps you offer the best possible service.
1. Maintain a Valid PHV License
First and foremost, having a PHV License is a MUST. You must hold a valid PHV license issued by your local authority. It is a legal document which proves you fit to carry paying passengers.
Driving without one? You are risking fines, vehicle seizures, or bans from the industry.
ONTrack tip: With a valid UK driving license, ONTrack handles the rest, providing you with a licensed private hire vehicle so you can start earning straight away.
2. Ensure Vehicle Standards Are Met
Whether it’s your own car or one provided by ONTrack, your vehicle must meet local authority regulations:
- Street-legal and clean.
- Regularly serviced.
- Fully insured for private hire use.
- Compliant with emissions and safety standards.
Your car is where you work, better keep it sharp and safe.
3. Follow PHV Rules of Operation
PHV drivers:
- Cannot pick up passengers off the street.
- Must only accept bookings through a licensed operator or app.
- Cannot wait in taxi ranks or request unreasonable fares.
Breaking these rules can lead to penalties and even license suspension. Stick to the system, it keeps you protected.
4. Respect Passenger Rights
Your passengers have expectations, and it’s your job to meet them. That means:
- Driving safely and courteously.
- Providing a clean and comfortable ride.
- Being respectful and non-discriminatory.
- Helping passengers with mobility issues if needed.
Your professionalism builds trust and tips.
5. Preserve Your Records
You’re expected to keep records of your bookings, routes, and hours. Most platforms automate this, but make sure you’re able to provide proof if requested by authorities.
Driving with ONTrack? Here’s Why It’s Easier.
At ONTrack, we understand how important it is for drivers to feel supported. We simplify the process so you can focus on your driving.
- Licensed private hire vehicles provided
- No hassle onboarding
- Affordable Weekly Subscription
- High-Quality Vehicles
- Flexible Rentals
- Customer Support
With a valid UK driving license, we get you rolling in a fully licensed PHV in no time.
Driving professionally isn’t just about having a license: it’s about knowing your place in the system. Understanding your rights keeps you protected, while owning your responsibilities helps you stand out as a trusted, top-tier driver.
Driving professionally is more than just about having a license, it is about knowing about your PHV driver rights and responsibilities in the system. So, if you are just starting out or brushing up on your PHV driver rights knowledge, now’s the perfect time to stay informed and stay ONTrack.
At ONTrack, we are dedicated to providing an outstanding PHV taxi rental experience. If you’d like to check or read reviews, click here. Because, your safety and comfort is non-negotiable.
