In Glasgow, many people use the terms taxi and private hire interchangeably — but under Scottish licensing law, they are two distinct services. Both are licensed and regulated, but they operate in different ways and suit different types of journeys.
Here’s a clear explanation of the differences, so you know exactly what you’re booking.
Licensing, checks & regulation
Both taxi drivers and private hire drivers in Glasgow are subject to the same core background checks, including enhanced disclosure and medical assessments. Passenger safety standards apply across both sectors.
The key additional requirement for taxi drivers is the local topographical knowledge test, which demonstrates detailed knowledge of Glasgow’s streets, routes and landmarks.
Private hire drivers are not required to sit this local knowledge test, but are still fully licensed and insured to carry passengers for hire and reward.
How journeys are legally booked
This is the most important distinction.
• Taxis can be hailed on the street, picked up from taxi ranks, or hired immediately without a prior booking.
• Private hire vehicles must be pre-booked in advance through a licensed operator or driver. They cannot accept street hires.
This legal difference is why private hire services focus on planned journeys, advance confirmations, and clear communication before travel.
Pricing: metered vs fixed
Most taxis operate using a meter, calculating the fare based on time and distance during the journey. The final cost is usually only known once the trip is complete. Fixed prices can be agreed if travelling out of Glasgow
Private hire journeys are typically priced in a same manner.
Glasgow 8 Seaters (private hire) offer fixed prices, allowing customers to know the cost before the vehicle arrives. This is particularly useful for:
• Airport transfers
• Family travel
• Group journeys
• Longer-distance trips
Vehicles, space & group travel
Glasgow taxis range from older models to the latest vehicles and are most commonly found in the city centre. However, most taxis are limited in passenger and luggage capacity.
Private hire services often operate from saloons to larger vehicles, including people carriers and 7–8 seaters, making them more suitable for:
• Families
• Groups travelling together
• Multiple suitcases
• Airport and long-distance journeys
Which service should you choose?
Taxis are ideal for spontaneous travel, short city trips, and immediate pick-ups.
Private hire is better suited to:
• Pre-booked airport transfers
• Planned journeys
• Fixed-price travel
• Group and family transport
How Glasgow 8 Seaters operates
Our service is often searched for as an “8-seater taxi”, however Glasgow 8 Seaters operates strictly as a licensed private hire service.
All journeys are:
• Pre-booked in advance
• Confirmed before travel
• Priced clearly with no street hires accepted
Our focus is on calm, planned travel for families and groups — not street pick-ups or metered journeys.
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Important note
Glasgow 8 Seaters is a licensed private hire service. We do not operate as a taxi. All journeys must be booked and confirmed in advance in line with local licensing regulations.