What Your Taxi Driver Wants You to Know

By How to Split a Taxi Fare Between Friends
Comments 35
2 Aug 2026

What Your Taxi Driver Wants You to Know

Be Ready Before the Car Arrives

Your driver has a schedule, and so do you. The single biggest thing that keeps a journey running to time is being ready a few minutes early — not standing in the rain for ten minutes, but having your shoes on, bag packed and keys in hand when the vehicle is due. Aim to be outside or in clear view two or three minutes before the booking time.

Watch for the car rather than waiting for a knock. Many private hire drivers are told not to ring the bell or call the phone, particularly early in the morning or late at night, out of respect for your neighbours. If you're hard to spot, say you'll be at the gate or by the corner shop.

Have your payment method ready before you get in.
If you're travelling with children, have them ready too, with coats and bags on.
Let the driver see you — a wave from an upstairs window isn't much use.

Nail the Pickup Point

"Outside my house" works on a quiet cul-de-sac. It doesn't work on a busy high street, on a new estate where satnavs struggle, or at a shopping centre with four entrances. A driver circling to work out exactly where you are is the most common cause of a late pickup.

Give as much detail as you can when booking:

The full postcode, plus the door number if it helps.
A landmark the driver can see — "opposite the church", "next to the red post box".
Which side of the road you're on, especially on a dual carriageway or one-way system.
For stations and airports, the exact entrance or pick-up zone.

If plans change or you're running a minute behind, a quick message saves everyone time. When the car arrives, come out. Drivers often can't wait long, and in some spots can't stop at all without risking a penalty.

Treat the Vehicle as You Would Your Own

A taxi or private hire car is someone's workplace, and often their pride and joy. Most drivers keep them spotless, so small courtesies go a long way.

Eat and drink before or after the journey, not during it. Spills and crumbs are hard to clean between jobs.
Smoking and vaping aren't allowed in any licensed vehicle.
Don't slam the doors or kick the seat in front.
Wipe muddy shoes on the way in and shake out wet umbrellas before you settle.
Tell the driver straight away if you spill something or notice damage.

Seatbelts are a legal requirement, and children should be properly restrained. Assistance dogs must be carried, and drivers know this — you shouldn't need to explain it. If you're travelling with a buggy or a large case, mention it when booking so the driver can check the boot space.

Speak Up About the Journey

Drivers aren't mind readers, and the best journeys are the ones where expectations are clear from the start. If you'd prefer a particular route, say so at the beginning — most will happily take it, or explain why another way is quicker.

Little things make a difference:

Ask for the heating or air conditioning to be adjusted if you're too warm or cold.
Say if you'd rather chat or ride in silence. Neither is rude.
Tell the driver if you feel unwell, so they can pull over safely.
If you need to stop at a cashpoint or shop en route, ask before you set off so the driver can factor in the time.

Try not to distract the driver while they're moving, especially in heavy traffic or bad weather. A quick word is fine; a lengthy story while they're navigating a junction isn't.

Sort Out Payment and Tips Without Fuss

Let your driver know early whether you're paying by card or cash. Some vehicles still don't take cards, and a driver expecting cash who's handed a card at the end of a long journey has a problem on their hands. If you're claiming the fare back, ask for a receipt before you get out — it's much harder to arrange afterwards.

Tipping isn't mandatory in the UK, but it's always appreciated. Rounding up to the nearest pound, or adding around ten per cent on a longer airport run, is a generous and common gesture. If the service was poor, better to leave no tip and mention it politely than to say nothing at all.

Book Sensibly and Cancel Early

A little planning when you book saves hassle later. Book early for airports, hospital appointments and early-morning shifts, when demand is high and available cars are few.

Give the correct number of passengers and how much luggage you'll have.
Say if you'll need a larger vehicle or extra boot space.
Cancel as soon as you know your plans have changed, not five minutes before pickup.
Ring if you're running late — most drivers will wait a short while, but not indefinitely.

Drivers want the same thing you do: a smooth, comfortable journey that starts and ends on time. Be ready, be clear about where you are, and look after the car, and most trips will be a pleasure for everyone involved.

Driver Guides

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5 Comments

Robert Sonny says Jul 21, 2024 at 10:00am

I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system
Reply
- John Abraham says Jul 21, 2024 at 10:00am
  
  I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system
  Reply
  - Robert Sonnysays Jul 21, 2024 at 10:00am
    
    I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system
    Reply
Robert Sonny says Jul 21, 2024 at 10:00am

I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system
Reply

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Greet the driver, avoid slamming doors, and keep conversation light when they need to concentrate on busy roads or unfamiliar directions.

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