Vehicle standards in the United Kingdom
What car works best for you? Ensure it meets the required standards below, and keep in mind, managing your costs effectively can boost your earnings.
Vehicle Requirements
- PHV License: Obtain from Transport of London(TfL).
- Insurance: Have private hire motor insurance covering you and your vehicle in London.
- Vehicle Age: Must align with the model year standards of your local licensing authority.
- Type: Four-door or Five-door vehicle required.
- Condition: It should be in excellent shape, free from cosmetic damage, and with no commercial branding on it.
- Passenger Capacity: Licensed to seat a minimum of 4 passengers.
London vehicle policies and conditions apply
All newly licensed private hire vehicles (PHVs) must comply with zero-emission capable (ZEC) standards and meet Euro 6 emissions requirements.
For Vehicles Under 18 Months Old: They must be ZEC and adhere to Euro 6 standards when first licensed.
For Vehicles Over 18 Months Old: A Euro 6 petrol or diesel engine is required at the time of initial licensing.
For further details, refer to TfL’s official vehicle requirements here.
Unic X
Most modern vehicles are eligible for Unic X, a widely popular option among riders.
Requirements:
- PHV License: Must be issued by an approved TfL.
- Model Year: Should comply with local licensing authority regulations.
- Vehicle Type: Four-door or Five-door vehicle required.
- Condition: Must be well-maintained, and free of cosmetic damage.
- Branding: No commercial advertisements or markings.
- Capacity: Licensed to carry at least 4 passengers.
Go Green
Provide rides exclusively in fully electric vehicles.
Requirements:
- A PHV license from an approved by TfL
- Fully electric vehicles only (hybrids are not eligible)
- Must accommodate at least four passengers in addition to the driver
Unic XL
Transport more passengers and earn higher fares with your high-capacity vehicle.
Requirements:
- A PHV license from an approved by TfL
- Seating for at least six passengers, excluding the driver
- Vehicle model year compliant with local licensing authority standards
- Four-door or Five-door vehicle in good condition, free from cosmetic damage
- No commercial branding on the vehicle
Executive
Offering premium rides with experienced drivers.
Requirements:
- PHV license from TfL
- Model year in line with local licensing authority requirements
- Four-door or Five-door vehicle required.
- Good condition with no cosmetic damage
- No commercial branding
- Executive vehicles must be manufactured in 2016 or later in London
Comfort
Comfort is designed to enhance opportunities on the Unic platform by offering mid-sized vehicles with extra legroom.
Requirements:
- A PHV license approved by TfL
- A vehicle must be a maximum of 10 years old for London and updated on a rolling basis. For example, in 2025, vehicles must have been manufactured in 2015 or later for London.
- All vehicles eligible for Executive are also eligible for Comfort.
Luxurious
Experience unparalleled luxury with premium vehicles and service.
Requirements:
- A PHV license approved by TfL
- The vehicle model must comply with local licensing authority standards
- Four-door vehicle in excellent condition with no cosmetic damage
- No commercial branding is allowed
- Luxurious vehicles must accommodate at least four passengers in addition to the driver
- Executive vehicles must be manufactured in 2016 or later in London.
Access
Wheelchair-accessible vehicles that allow wheelchair users to remain in their wheelchairs as they ride.
Requirements:
- PHV license by TfL
- Vehicles be able to accommodate non-foldable wheelchairs
- You can rent a WAV if you do not have one here
- If you already own a WAV, you will need to visit your local GL for a vehicle inspection which you can read how to book here
- Equipped with a ramp or lift
- Must complete a certified accessibility training course
Assist
This service is tailored for riders with disabilities, older adults, or anyone needing extra assistance when traveling. Assist vehicles are designed to accommodate folding wheelchairs, walkers, and collapsible scooters.
Vehicle Requirements:
- Must accommodate folding wheelchairs, walkers, collapsible scooters, and other assistive devices
- Model year must meet local licensing authority requirements
- Four-door vehicle in good condition, free from cosmetic damage
- No commercial branding
- Licensed to carry at least four passengers
Driver Requirements:
- A PHV license by TfL
- DBS Checked
Unic may modify this list of vehicle requirements or eligible models at its discretion.
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