JOE MAXI TAXIS
2026 Complete Guide — Updated July 2026

Become a
Licensed Taxi Driver
in the UK

Everything you need to know — council licensing, costs, earnings, and how to join the UK's fastest-growing taxi service with no upfront costs and 85% of every hire paid to you.

Earn £36,000–£57,000/year

Full-time. Keep 85% of every hire with Joe Maxi Taxis.

How much can you earn as a taxi driver?

Keeping 100% of your fares with Joe Maxi Taxis

Part-time

20 hrs/week

£400–£600/week

per week

£20,800–£31,200/year

per year (before expenses)

Full-time

40 hrs/week

£700–£1,100/week

per week

£36,400–£57,200/year

per year (before expenses)

Full-time+

50 hrs/week

£900–£1,400/week

per week

£46,800–£72,800/year

per year (before expenses)

Estimates based on average UK taxi fares. Actual earnings vary by location, hours worked, and vehicle type. Expenses include fuel, insurance, and Joe Maxi Taxis's 15% platform fee per completed hire.

Joe Maxi Taxis vs Uber — the driver comparison

On a £100 fare, here is what you actually keep

FeatureJoe Maxi TaxisUberBolt
Commission on fares15%25–30%20–25%
Driver keeps (per £100)£85£70–75£75–80
Monthly platform feeNoneNone (takes % instead)None (takes % instead)
Upfront joining cost£0 — freeN/AN/A
Surge pricingNeverYes — up to 3xYes — up to 2.5x
Advance bookingsYesLimitedLimited
UK coverage5,064 locationsMajor cities onlyMajor cities only
Driver supportUK-based teamApp onlyApp only
Start Earning More — Join Joe Maxi Taxis

How to get your taxi licence — step by step

The complete process from application to your first booking

1

Get your taxi licence

6–12 weeks

Apply to your local council for a Private Hire or Hackney Carriage licence. Requirements vary by council but typically include a DBS check, medical, and local knowledge test. Most councils process applications within 6–12 weeks.

2

Get your DVLA driver licence checked

1–2 weeks

Your council will require a DVLA licence check as part of the application. You'll need a clean or near-clean licence — most councils allow up to 3 penalty points.

3

Get your vehicle licensed

1–2 weeks

Your vehicle must pass a council taxi inspection — typically a more rigorous MOT covering safety, comfort, and accessibility standards. Most councils require vehicles under 5–10 years old.

4

Get your insurance

1 week

Standard car insurance does not cover taxi work. You need Public Hire or Private Hire insurance. Specialist taxi insurers include Adrian Flux, Taxi Insurer, and Swinton. Expect to pay £1,200–£2,500/year.

5

Register with Joe Maxi Taxis

24 hours

Once licensed, register on Joe Maxi Taxis in minutes. Upload your taxi licence, driver licence, and vehicle details. Our team verifies your documents and activates your account — usually within 24 hours.

6

Start taking bookings

Immediately

Register free on Joe Maxi Taxis, get approved, and go online. Receive instant booking alerts in your area. Joe Maxi Taxis takes 15% of each completed hire — you keep 85%, paid directly to your bank account.

Why licensed drivers choose Joe Maxi Taxis

No upfront costs

Register free. No joining fee, no monthly subscription. Joe Maxi Taxis takes 15% of each completed hire — you keep 85%.

Instant booking alerts

Receive booking requests the moment a passenger in your area submits one. First driver to accept gets the job.

5,064 UK locations

Work anywhere in the UK. Set your job radius from 5 to 100 miles and receive bookings across your area.

Flexible hours

Go online when you want to work. No minimum hours, no booking targets, no penalties for being offline.

Licensed drivers only

Every driver on the platform is council-verified. No gig workers — a professional, trusted network.

Growing passenger base

140,800+ indexed pages driving passengers to Joe Maxi Taxis every day. More passengers means more bookings for you.

Becoming a taxi driver — frequently asked questions

How long does it take to become a licensed taxi driver in the UK?+
The full process typically takes 8–16 weeks from application to your first booking. The council licensing stage takes the longest (6–12 weeks). Once licensed, Joe Maxi Taxis can have you taking bookings within 24 hours of document verification.
How much can I earn as a taxi driver in the UK?+
Full-time taxi drivers in the UK typically earn £36,000–£57,000 per year before expenses. With Joe Maxi Taxis's 85/15 commission model, you keep 85% of every completed hire — compared to losing 25–30% on Uber or Bolt. Part-time drivers working 20 hours/week typically earn £20,000–£31,000 per year.
Do I need my own car to become a taxi driver?+
Yes, in most cases. Your vehicle must pass a council taxi inspection and meet age and condition requirements. Some areas allow vehicle rental — check with your local council. Joe Maxi Taxis accepts all council-licensed vehicles including saloons, MPVs, and WAVs.
What is the difference between Private Hire and Hackney Carriage?+
Hackney Carriage (black cab) drivers can pick up passengers hailing from the street. Private Hire drivers can only take pre-booked journeys. Joe Maxi Taxis works with both licence types. Most new drivers start with Private Hire as the licensing process is simpler.
How much does it cost to become a taxi driver?+
Typical startup costs: Council licence application £200–£500, DBS check £50–£70, medical £50–£100, vehicle inspection £50–£100, taxi insurance £1,200–£2,500/year. Total first-year cost: approximately £1,500–£3,300. Joe Maxi Taxis is free to register — no monthly fee, no joining charge. You only pay 15% of each completed hire.
Can I drive for Joe Maxi Taxis part-time?+
Yes. Joe Maxi Taxis is designed for flexible working. Go online when you want to work, go offline when you don't. Many Joe Maxi Taxis drivers work evenings and weekends around other jobs. There are no minimum hours or booking targets.
How does Joe Maxi Taxis compare to Uber for drivers?+
Uber takes 25–30% commission from every fare. Joe Maxi Taxis takes 15%. On a £100 fare, you keep £85 with Joe Maxi Taxis vs £70–75 with Uber. Joe Maxi Taxis also has no monthly fee — you only pay when you earn. The more you earn, the bigger the difference.
Which councils can I get a taxi licence from?+
You can apply to any council in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland where you intend to operate. Most drivers apply to their local council. Joe Maxi Taxis accepts drivers licensed by any UK council — over 400 licensing authorities across the country.

Ready to start earning?

Already licensed? Register with Joe Maxi Taxis today.

Register free. Keep 85% of every hire. No monthly fee, no joining cost — ever.