Could scrapping topographical tests for private hire vehicle drivers hand the taxi trade a clearer unique selling point?
- Perry Richardson
- Aug 2
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 3
The continued removal of topographical testing for private hire drivers by licensing authorities could be creating a unique selling point for the taxi industry. As more councils abandon local knowledge requirements for private hire licensing, some in the hackney carriage trade see an opportunity to redefine their role in the transport sector.
Private hire operators, especially app-based firms, rely almost entirely on satellite navigation systems to route drivers from pick-up to destination. While this technology has improved significantly, it is still vulnerable to poor routing, traffic congestion, road closures and real-time changes that require local experience to navigate efficiently.
In contrast, licensed taxi drivers in many areas must still demonstrate a far deeper knowledge of the road network before being granted a badge. The Knowledge in London remains the most well-known and rigorous example, but other towns and cities have their own local variations. These requirements often take months or years of study and on-road learning to pass.
As licensing for private hire vehicles becomes less reliant on local knowledge, the taxi trade is seeking clearer ways to promote the difference in service levels. This difference could become a unique selling point that sets taxis apart from private hire. A journey with a trained, tested driver who knows the area can offer better routing, time savings, and a more professional experience for the passenger.
Of course, some passengers will always choose the cheapest or quickest booking method available. For them, driver knowledge may not be a priority, and they may accept longer routes or slower response times. But a significant proportion of the public still value professionalism and efficiency. That gives the taxi sector space to market its service as a higher-end alternative with more skilled drivers.
The key will be communicating these differences to the public. Most passengers now book through apps and may not understand the variations between a private hire and a licensed taxi. Stronger messaging from the taxi industry on training, route knowledge, and licensing standards could help inform passenger decisions.
There is also a broader regulatory concern. If private hire licensing is watered down too far, there is a risk of lowering service standards across the board. In some areas, there are growing calls for licensing authorities to reintroduce some form of local knowledge test, even if simplified, to ensure drivers have a basic understanding of the area in which they operate.
In the meantime, taxi drivers have an opening to reposition their service. By promoting their knowledge, their training, and the benefits of experience on the road, they can stand apart from an increasingly generic private hire offering. It’s a chance to rebuild public trust in the trade and shift the focus from cost to value.
As competition between the sectors continues, clearer distinctions will help both drivers and passengers. With more informed choice, customers can pick the service that best meets their needs, whether that’s price, speed or professional routing.
