Guides for independent taxi drivers

Straight, practical answers on getting bookings, tax and expenses, licence renewals, WhatsApp and the tools worth having — written for drivers who work for themselves.

Getting bookings

How to get taxi customers without Uber

Seven proven ways UK drivers fill their diary without handing a cut to an app.

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Money, tax & invoicing

Taxi driver tax & expenses explained

What self-employed UK taxi drivers can claim, how the tax return works, and how to keep records.

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Licensing & compliance

UK taxi licence renewal explained

Badge, vehicle, DBS, medical and knowledge — what to renew, when, and how not to lose a day's work.

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WhatsApp & tools

How to take taxi bookings on WhatsApp

Set up a professional WhatsApp booking line customers actually use — greeting, quick replies, records.

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Software & buying

Best taxi driver app: a buyer's guide

What software an independent driver or small fleet actually needs — and what to ignore.

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Comparisons

Original Drivers vs Uber (for drivers)

Commission, customer ownership, control — how going direct compares to driving for an app.

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Best apps for independent taxi drivers 2026

The tools worth having when you work for yourself — by what job each one does.

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iCabbi vs Autocab vs Original Drivers

Dispatch platforms vs an independent-driver toolkit — which fits a small operator.

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Looking for your council’s licensing rules? See our taxi licensing guides for renewal steps, cycles and contacts.