We all read, see and hear awful stories the public’s experiences with taxi journeys and when you look into the facts in detail most occur in unlicensed minicabs.You hear comments like, it was cheaper or it was the only taxi available, but at the end of the day it is their safety and well being that they are risking.This is the reason you should only use licensed taxis even if it might cost you a little more or you have a longer wait is a safe journey home!
So what is the difference between and unlicensed and a licensed or an authorised taxi apart from your safe journey home.Well all local authorities or councils are responsible for licensing taxis; they have a department that issues licenses for both the taxi and its driver. Every licensing officer works from the same guidelines so throughout the UK with the exception of a few slight differences all applicable taxi regulations are pretty much the same.

Firstly looking at the vehicle itself the taxi must be fit for purpose and in good repair. It must have a full road safety or mot certificate and most council will require a separate taxi test.Quite often this extra test is required every six months. Because of the high mileage a taxi drives in a year often more than a thousand miles per week, this is an extra safeguard on the taxis road worthy ness. Enabling the local licensing authority to make sure taxis operating in its area keep to the required standard above all safe for the driver and its passengers.

http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/How-to-tell-a-Licensed-Taxi-in-London-and-the-UK/414421