Anyone wishing to become a taxi driver requires a licence from the council. A dual drivers licence entitles the holder to drive either a hackney carriage (taxi) or a private hire vehicle.

A licence is required before any person can drive a hackney carriage (taxi). Licenses are issued subject to proof of eligibility (age, driving licence, criminal records check, medical assessment etc.).

A hackney carriage is more commonly called a taxi. It is the responsibility of the local authority to regulate the number of hackney carriages it licences.

A licence is required before any person can drive a private hire vehicle. Licenses are issued subject to proof of eligibility (age, driving licence, criminal records check, medical assessment etc.).

A private hire operator's licence is required to enable a person to accept or invite bookings for private hire vehicles. In Scotland, this covers both the person responsible and the vehicle in terms of standards, safety, insurance, MOT and similar: their vehicle will be identified with a unique plate.

Private hire vehicles (mini cabs) have to be licensed. Private hire vehicles are vehicles that cannot be hailed from the street, and journeys must be pre-booked. Vehicles must be tested and inspected before a licence can be issued to ensure that they are mechanically fit, safe and comfortable.

The local authority is responsible for setting the level of Hackney Carriage (taxi) fares for licensed taxis in the LA area.

Minibus Permits can be issued to organisations concerned with religion, education, recreation, social welfare and other activities of benefit to the community. Permits can allow the use of a minibus with between 9 and 16 passenger seats for hire and reward,. In the UK these permits - also known as Section 19 permits - can be issued without the need for the operator to hold a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) Operator's Licence.