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In the UK, the term minicab is used to refer to a private hire car; that is a car with a driver available for hire only on a pre-booked basis. TaxiCabs.co.uk is a parked site.
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In the UK, the term minicab is used to refer to a private hire car; that is a car with a driver available for hire only on a pre-booked basis. They began operating in the 1960s in competition to Taxis after a loophole in the law was spotted. A minicab must be pre-booked, for example, by telephone, internet, or fax; or in person at the registered minicab office. You can book at the time that you need the minicab but only with the company registered to accept bookings and not directly with the driver.

Taxicabs are regulated throughout the United Kingdom, but the regulation of taxicabs in London is especially rigorous both with regard to mechanical integrity and driver knowledge.

Only licensed Taxis can pick up passengers on the street. London's Black cabs, are particularly famous on account of the specially constructed vehicles and the extensive training course (the Knowledge) required for fully licensed drivers; unlike many other cities, the number of taxicab drivers in London is not limited.

London's cab drivers are even well-known for having developed an especially big hippocampus, a region of the brain where, among other things, information about locations is stored.

The taxicab driver is required to be able to decide routes immediately in response to a passenger's request or traffic conditions, rather than stopping to look at a map or ask a controller by radio. Consequently, the Knowledge is the in-depth study of London street routes and places of interest that taxicab-drivers in that city must complete to obtain a licence to operate a black cab. It was initiated in 1865, and has changed little since.

It is the world's most demanding training course for taxicab-drivers; and applicants will usually need at least 12 'Appearances' (attempts at the final test), after preparation averaging 34 months, to pass the examination.

Since 2001 minicabs have been regulated in London and most other local authorities. London minicabs are now licensed by the Public Carriage Office, the same body that regulates London black taxicabs. All vehicles available for hire by London minicab drivers must also hold a Public Carriage Office license showing that they are fit for purpose. This is updated twice a year after an inspection at a licensed garage.