Before you get in, check four things: the driver's badge is worn where you can see it, the rear licence plate and the plate inside the windscreen carry the same number, the car matches any booking confirmation you were sent, and the vehicle is the kind you are entitled to hire. A taxi on a rank, or one showing a lit "TAXI" sign, can be used without a booking; any other car needs a prior booking through a licensed operator. The council's own passenger guidance recommends these checks, and they take less than a minute.
The quick check at the kerb
| What to check | What you should see |
|---|---|
| Driver badge | Worn visibly, not hidden under a jacket or jumper, with the driver's name and number |
| Rear plate | A council-issued plate fixed horizontally to the back of the car at bumper height |
| Windscreen plate | A card-style plate low in the windscreen showing the same licence number and the council's contact details |
| Booking details | For private hire, a text or app message giving make, colour and registration that matches the car |
| Roof sign | For an unbooked taxi, an illuminated "TAXI" sign; a different word or a phone number means you need a booking |
Cannock Chase's passenger guidance suggests approaching a vehicle from the front where you can, because that is the angle from which you can see the driver's face and the badge clearly at once.
Why an unbooked minicab is a real risk
A private hire vehicle can only take a booking made through a licensed operator. The council's guidance says that if you get into one that has not been booked, neither you nor the driver will be insured, and the driver commits an offence. In an unlicensed car, you also lose the safeguards that come with a vetted driver, such as the enhanced criminal record check and the Group 2 medical. If someone offers you a lift outside a venue, the answer is no, however friendly they look. The difference between a taxi and a minicab explains what each is allowed to do.
Sensible habits once you are in
- Sit in the rear seat behind the driver.
- Tell someone where you are going and roughly when you expect to arrive.
- Arrange to be picked up and dropped off in a safe, well-lit place.
- Wear your seatbelt. The guidance notes that drivers do not always need to, so do not take your cue from them.
- Do not get drawn into conversations about your private life.
- Ask the driver to slow down or stop using a phone, smoking or eating if you are uncomfortable. If they will not, report it afterwards.
- Ask for a receipt if you are paying, especially if there could be a dispute.
- Check you have taken everything with you when you leave.
Ranks and where to find a taxi
The council's 2024 guidance recommends hiring from a taxi rank, and says there were three in the Cannock Chase area: on Stafford Road in Cannock, in Anglesey Street in Hednesford, and in the Bees Lane and Elmore Lane area of Rugeley near the bus station. Ranks change, so check the current arrangements locally before relying on that list. Taxis that show the lit "TAXI" sign can also be hailed from the street, though the council's view is that a rank is the safest option.
Using the licence plate to find the right authority
The plates show which council licensed the vehicle. That matters because the driver, vehicle and operator must all be licensed by the same authority, according to the Cannock Chase policy. If a plate names a different council, complaints go to that council, not to the district you happen to be standing in. The licensing teams also work together: the policy notes that drivers must cooperate with officers from other areas and show their badge, so that officers can rule out unlawful plying for hire.
Many councils keep a public licensing register, and Cannock Chase's website lists one among its licensing pages. If you want to confirm a driver or vehicle, the licensing team can tell you whether a licence exists. The national register of refusals, revocations and suspensions (NR3S) is a tool for licensing authorities and is not open to the public.
Red flags
- The driver has no badge, or a badge from a different council than the plate.
- The car has no rear plate, or the plate looks stuck on with magnets, which the Cannock Chase policy does not accept.
- The car that arrives does not match the registration or description you were sent.
- The driver suggests dropping your booking and agreeing a price on the spot, or approaches you before you have booked anything.
- An unbooked private hire car without a "TAXI" sign invites you to hop in.
If something looks wrong, do not get in. If you have already travelled, note the plate and badge details and follow the process in taxi complaints and lost property. You can learn what a legitimate vehicle should look like from the vehicle licensing rules, including plate position and sign requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a minicab is licensed?
Match the driver's badge, the rear plate and the windscreen plate, and compare the car with the details in your booking message. If anything is missing or does not match, do not travel.
Is it safe to flag down a taxi?
A taxi with an illuminated "TAXI" roof sign can legally be hailed. The council's guidance says a rank is the safest place to find one, and that you should still check the badge and plates.
Where is the licence number on a taxi?
It is on the council plate at the rear of the vehicle and on a card-style plate at the bottom of the windscreen. The numbers should match.
Where is the safest place to sit in a taxi?
In the rear seat behind the driver, with your seatbelt on. Drivers do not always have to wear a belt, so do not take your cue from them.
Can I check a driver's licence online?
Many councils keep a public licensing register. Cannock Chase lists one on its licensing pages; if you cannot find the entry, the Licensing Unit can confirm whether a licence is held.