Parents beware unlicensed prom drivers
With prom season upon us, we're warning parents that if they're hiring transport, to ensure vehicles and drivers are properly licensed.
Without correct licences, insurance is invalid and drivers and vehicles may not be safety checked.
Ask for proof of a licence. Legitimate firms will be happy to supply it.
Prom season vehicles
Parents are often looking to hire a vehicle for their children for prom.
Unlicensed drivers are relatively rare in the taxi trade, but it's important to take steps to ensure you don't book an unlicensed chauffeur to take your children to prom.
Unlicensed drivers often offer their services through social media such as Facebook Marketplace, or elsewhere online.
Necessary licences
- Hired vehicles with nine or more passengers seats, such as limousines and party buses, are public service vehicles (PSV) licensed by Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain.
- Hired vehicles with eight or fewer passengers seats, such as supercars, campervans and vintage cars are private hire vehicles (PHV) licensed by local councils.
- The driver must hold a Private Hire Driver licence with the same council that the vehicle and operator (company) are licensed with.
What if vehicles aren't licensed?
Not only will the company be breaking the law, but appropriate background checks may also not have been done.
The driver and/or vehicle will not be insured in case of an accident, which may be more likely if the vehicle hasn't had the safety checks that are part of the licensing procedure.
What should I do before I book a vehicle?
Ask for proof they are licensed by the Traffic Commissioner or a local council.
Make a note of their licence number in case something goes wrong.
You can also verify that the licence is still valid with either the Traffic Commissioner or by contacting the council.
For Fenland District council, please contact licensing@fenland.gov.uk or 01354 654321
If a company has neither licence in place it can be reported to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, which has the power to remove vehicles from the road.
Licensing requirements apply only to hired vehicles. If a friend is taking your child to prom in their vehicle, and there is no payment being made (not even for fuel) the same rules don't apply.
Keep up-to-date with Fenland District Council via Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn and our newsletter The Fenlander Newsletter.
June 2025
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