About

About The Hire Handbook

The Hire Handbook is an independent online publication for anyone booking a vehicle or a driver in the UK. We explain how private hire and chauffeur services work, what the licensing rules mean for you, and how to avoid unwelcome charges.

What we cover

• Airport transfers: Booking a pick-up that fits your flight, and what's usually included.
• Chauffeur hire: When a chauffeur is worth it and how to compare firms.
• Private hire and taxis: The difference, and how licensing protects you.
• Car and van hire: Licences, deposits, excess and what to do at pick-up.
• Events and occasions: Getting a group to the right place on the day.
• Concierge and travel help: What personal travel support can include.

How we work

AI helps us write our articles, and each one is checked before it goes live. We point to the official source wherever there's a rule or a figure, so you can read it for yourself.

Sometimes we mention a business that works in the field we're writing about, because readers may find it useful. We keep those mentions factual and we don't make claims we can't back up.

Corrections

If you spot something wrong or out of date, please let us know and we'll put it right.