Executive car with a driver

An executive saloon carries up to three passengers; an MPV takes more people or more luggage. Both are booked in advance, with a driver, for airport runs, meetings and wedding couples.

How private hire works

Anything with up to 8 passenger seats that comes with a driver counts as private hire. Outside London the council issues the licence; inside London, TfL does. In Scotland, local licensing authorities license private hire cars under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982. Driver, car and operator must all be licensed by one and the same authority.

Every private hire journey has to be booked ahead. A driver cannot take a fare from someone who hails the car in the street, so the booking must name the pickup point and time.

At a glance

Seats: 1-3
Luggage: Boot space; choose an MPV for more passengers or luggage

Typical features

Chauffeur-driven executive saloon or MPV, booked in advance
Vehicles with 8 or fewer passenger seats hired with a driver are private hire vehicles, licensed by the local council, or by TfL in London
The driver, the vehicle and the private hire operator must all be licensed by the same authority
In Scotland, local licensing authorities license private hire cars under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982
Private hire vehicles are not exempt from London's Congestion Charge
A private hire vehicle can only be pre-booked; it cannot be hailed in the street

In London

Private hire vehicles are not exempt from the Congestion Charge. Vehicles with 9 or more seats get a 100% discount, so a group of five or more heading into the centre may be better served by one Sprinter-style minibus than by two cars.

Cars alongside coaches

Many events use both: a coach for delegates or guests, and a car for the speaker, the couple or the client who leaves early. Put them in one request so the timings match.

Early flights and late arrivals

For a departure, give the flight number and the time you want to be at the terminal, not only the take-off time. For an arrival, the flight number lets the pickup follow a delay. On a long motorway run, one car loads and unloads faster than a minibus, which matters when a single passenger is travelling.

Questions

How much luggage fits in a saloon?

Enough for up to three passengers on a normal trip. For golf bags or several large cases, choose an MPV.

Where will the driver meet us at the airport?

Meeting arrangements differ between airports. Say what you need, and the booking will state the meeting point.

Can we book the car for a wedding?

Yes. A wedding car with 8 or fewer passenger seats is a private hire vehicle, licensed like any other executive car.