Hire checklist

The UK hire checklist: cars, vans and drivers

Booking a driver: check the licence

Private hire vehicles, their drivers and the firms that run them all have to be licensed, usually by the local council, and by Transport for London in the capital. GOV.UK explains taxi and private hire licensing, and a good firm will be happy to give you its licence details.

Private hire has to be booked

Unlike a taxi, a private hire car can't be flagged down in the street. It has to be booked first, which is also how you know who's collecting you, so make sure you have the driver and vehicle details before the journey.

For airport runs, give the flight number

Ask whether the firm tracks your flight, how long they'll wait after landing, and who pays for parking and any airport drop-off charge. Getting that in the booking confirmation saves any argument on the day.

Hiring a car or van: bring what they'll ask for

Most hire desks want your driving licence, and many ask for a DVLA check code as well. You can create one on the GOV.UK view your driving licence service, and it lasts 21 days.

Check you can drive it

If you passed your car test on or after 1 January 1997, your licence normally covers vehicles up to 3,500kg maximum authorised mass with up to 8 passenger seats, or 4,250kg for electric or hydrogen vehicles. GOV.UK lists what each licence category allows, which is worth a look before you book a large van.

Know the excess and the deposit

Ask how much you'd pay if the vehicle is damaged, and how much is held on your card. Read what the excess cover leaves out, because tyres, glass and roofs can be treated separately.

Take photos at pick-up and drop-off

Walk round the vehicle before you leave and photograph any marks, then do the same when you return it. It takes two minutes and gives you a dated record if a charge turns up later.

A note on this guide

This is general information, not legal or professional advice. Rules change, so please check the official sources we link to before you make a decision.