Taxi and private hire services for wheelchair users or assistance dogs

Travelling with an assistance dog

It is against the law for drivers not to take you on a journey because of a disability or for bringing an assistance dog. It’s also against the law for taxi and minicab operators not to book a vehicle for you for those reasons. If an available vehicle refuses to take you because of your disability, the driver or operator could be fined up to £1,000 or lose their licence. They cannot charge you extra for carrying an assistance dog.

The following dogs may also travel with you in a taxi -
  • guide dogs
  • hearing dogs
  • assistance dogs trained by Dogs for the Disabled, Support Dogs or Canine Partners

Make sure you carry the identification card for your dog. The dog should also be wearing their harness or jacket showing the name of the charity who trained them. This helps the drivers to identify them from other dogs.

Your dog should stay on the floor of the vehicle at all times, however they should be allowed to remain next to you.

Wheelchair access in taxis and private hire cars

To be recognised as a designated wheelchair accessible vehicle your vehicle must -

  • be capable of carrying some, but not necessarily all types of occupied wheelchairs
  • allow the user of a 'reference wheelchair' to enter and exit the vehicle and travel in the passenger compartment in safety and reasonable comfort whilst seated in their wheelchair

The driver of a designated vehicle must -

  • carry the passenger while in the wheelchair
  • not make any extra charges for doing so
  • carry the wheelchair if the passenger chooses to sit in a passenger seat
  • take such steps as are necessary to make sure that the passenger is carried in safety and reasonable comfort
  • give the passenger such mobility assistance as is reasonably required

If a driver fails to comply with any of the above they are committing an offence.

Access our list of accessible vehicles.

Exemptions

Some drivers may be exempt from carrying assistance dogs in their vehicle as they have a medical condition. Drivers can also be exempt from giving physical help if they have a medical condition. For example, if they cannot lift your mobility aid into the boot or push a wheelchair up a ramp. Any driver who has been granted an exemption will display a yellow exemption certificate in their vehicle.

Further information on access to taxis and private hire vehicles for disabled users can be found on the Government website.

Failure to comply

Should anyone experience a licensed driver fail to comply with any of the above, without having a valid exemption certificate in place, we would encourage them to report this to enable our Officers to fully investigate the matter. You can give feedback through the button below.

Complain or compliment a taxi driver