Taxi drivers share the most common passenger myths and half-truths
- Perry Richardson
- Jul 27
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 29
Taxi drivers across the UK have shared the most common myths they hear from passengers, shedding light on the claims, excuses and half-truths that come up regularly during their shifts.
One of the most repeated comments is the promise of a tip that never appears. Several drivers noted passengers saying “I’ll tip you in the app mate”, but those tips rarely, if ever, show up. Some even repeat the line while getting out, knowing there’s little chance of being challenged once the door closes.
Another familiar phrase is, “I’m just popping indoors to get your money.” Many drivers said they have waited outside homes or pubs after such claims, only to realise the passenger has disappeared without paying. In a similar vein, passengers sometimes claim “someone will pay at the other end”, or “my mum’s paying when we get there”. These lines are sometimes to avoid payment.
Several drivers pointed to the mythical “other driver” as a common reference. Passengers often say “the other driver let me do that”, when trying to bend or break the rules. This includes requests to sit children on laps, use restricted bus lanes or carry more passengers than the vehicle is licensed for. Drivers say these claims are rarely true and are used as pressure tactics to get their own way.
Others use timing and urgency to try and persuade the driver. Phrases like, “if you get me there quick there’s a big tip in it for you” or “I’ll pay you double if you take me now”, are often used late at night or during busy periods. In practice, the fare is paid as normal and the extra money is rarely mentioned again.
There’s also confusion over legal responsibilities. One myth is that drivers can be fined if adult passengers don’t wear seatbelts. In truth, adult passengers are responsible for wearing seatbelts themselves, not the driver. Another common belief is that children under ten count differently towards passenger limits, with passengers asking to squeeze six people into a five-seater if one is a child. This goes against licensing rules and puts the driver at risk.
Some passengers try to challenge the fare or the route by claiming “I’ve never been this way before” or saying “it was only this much the other day”. Many also try to compare taxi prices to app-based services with comments like, “Uber is cheaper”. Drivers say these comparisons are often exaggerated or fail to consider delays, waiting times or the true cost of peak-time bookings.
The comments reflect the day-to-day conversations drivers face, where common myths and promises are used to try and get a better deal, quicker journey or a rule bent in their favour. Most drivers are aware of these tactics and treat them as part of the job.
