Apr 9, 2026
Mornings are hectic. Between packed lunches, lost PE kits, and the school run, many parents are looking for a more reliable way to get their children to school safely and on time. One option that comes up often is booking a private taxi for the school run, and it raises a fair question: can I send my child to school in a taxi?
The short answer is yes. But there are a few things worth knowing before you make a regular booking, from the legal side of child safety in taxis to what questions to ask your driver or operator.
Here is everything you need to know.
Yes, it is perfectly legal to arrange for a licensed taxi or private hire vehicle to take your child to school. Parents do this every day across the UK, whether because of work commitments, distance, or simply because it is the most practical option.
Licensed taxis and private hire vehicles (PHVs) in England operate under a regulatory framework overseen by local licensing authorities. Drivers must hold a valid licence granted by their local council and are subject to background checks before they can carry passengers. So the infrastructure to keep your child safe already exists within the licensed taxi trade.
That said, there is a difference between a licensed private hire vehicle operated through a reputable local company and an informal arrangement with someone who has no formal licensing. Always use a properly licensed operator.
This is where it gets reassuring. The checks that licensed taxi and PHV drivers go through are considerably more thorough than most people realise.
Since 2012, all taxi and private hire vehicle drivers in England became eligible for Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks. This is a step above a standard criminal record check. An Enhanced DBS check for taxi or PHV drivers includes a check of both the Adults' and Children's Barred Lists, meaning anyone prohibited from working with children cannot legally drive one to school.
Education transport authorities are also required to undertake a child barred list check on drivers before issuing a school transport contract. This adds an extra layer of protection on top of the licensing process.
If a driver is hired by an organisation such as a school and is transporting children either once a week or more than three times within a 30-day period, that qualifies as regulated activity. In those cases, an even higher standard of vetting applies.
Beyond the DBS check, the Department for Transport's Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards (introduced in 2020) require that all taxi and private hire vehicle drivers undertake safeguarding training. This means licensed drivers are trained to recognise signs of harm and know how to report concerns.
The bottom line: a properly licensed driver who works with an established local operator has gone through a serious level of vetting. That is not something you get with an unlicensed arrangement.
This is a question parents often have, and the rules in taxis are slightly different from those in private cars. Here is how it works.
UK law says children must use an appropriate child restraint until they are 135 cm tall or 12 years old, whichever comes first. In taxis and private hire vehicles, specific exemptions can apply if the driver does not provide the correct seat.
Here is a quick breakdown by age:
Taxi companies are not required by law to provide child car seats, but child passengers must use them if they are provided.
If your child is young and requires a car seat, the safest move is to ask the operator in advance whether they can provide one, or bring your own. A good operator will be happy to accommodate this.
Not all taxi companies are the same. Here is what to check before you make a regular booking for your child.
Licensing. Ask whether the company and its drivers are fully licensed by the local council. Reputable operators like South Ribble Taxis operate within the licensed private hire framework, which means their drivers are vetted and their vehicles are maintained to a standard.
DBS checks. Ask directly whether drivers hold an Enhanced DBS check. Any serious operator will confirm this without hesitation.
Fixed fares. Surprises are the last thing you need on a school morning. Operators that offer fixed fares, agreed in advance, make it easier to budget and avoid disputes.
Reliability. Read reviews and ask locally. On a school run, being five minutes late matters. Look for a company with a track record of punctuality.
Communication. Can you reach them quickly if something changes? Some companies now offer booking via WhatsApp and send confirmation messages, which is helpful for busy parents.
Vehicle condition. A clean, well-maintained vehicle is not just about comfort. It is a signal that the operator takes their responsibilities seriously.
Some children are entitled to free school transport arranged by their local authority, which can include a taxi or private hire vehicle. Whether your child qualifies depends on a few factors.
A child is eligible for free school transport if they are of compulsory school age, attend their nearest suitable school, and either they are under 8 and the school is more than 2 miles away, or they are 8 or over and the school is more than 3 miles away, or the route to school would not be safe to walk even with a parent or guardian.
If your child has additional support needs or a special educational need, the assessment process is separate and may result in a dedicated taxi being arranged by the council.
If your child does not meet the eligibility criteria, the responsibility for getting them to school falls to you as the parent. In those cases, arranging your own taxi through a local operator is a practical and widely used solution.
If you are a taxi driver and you regularly take children to school, you are responsible by law for the child right up until care has been handed over to the school. This means the driver is responsible for the child's safety as they leave the vehicle and approach the school gates.
As a parent, you still hold overall responsibility for arranging appropriate transport for your child. That means choosing a properly licensed operator, ensuring the driver knows the drop-off point clearly, and making sure the school is aware of the arrangement.
It is worth letting the school know in advance that your child will be arriving by taxi, particularly if they are younger. Many schools have specific protocols for unaccompanied children arriving in vehicles.
There is no specific law in England that sets a minimum age for a child to travel alone in a taxi. The general guidance from the NSPCC and child safety organisations is that it depends on the maturity of the individual child. Most parents are comfortable sending secondary school age children in a taxi alone, while younger primary school children often travel with a parent, sibling, or escort.
If your child is young or anxious, some local taxi companies offer a meet-and-greet arrangement where the driver waits for the child to enter the school building before leaving. It is worth asking about this when you make your booking.
For families in South Ribble, Leyland, Penwortham, Bamber Bridge, and surrounding areas, arranging a regular school run taxi is something many parents do as a matter of routine. The area is well-served by established local operators who know the roads and the schools.
South Ribble Taxis covers a wide range of areas across Preston and South Ribble, including Lostock Hall, Bamber Bridge, Penwortham, Farington, Walton le Dale, Fulwood, and many more. Their 24-hour availability and fixed fares make them a practical choice for parents who need consistent, reliable transport for the school run.
Operators in this part of Lancashire work within the licensing requirements set by South Ribble Borough Council, which means drivers go through the vetting process described above.
1. Can I send my child to school in a taxi without a car seat?
It depends on your child's age and height. Children aged 3 and over who are under 135 cm must use a car seat if one is available in the taxi. If no seat is provided, they should use a seatbelt. Children under 3 can travel in the rear without a seat or belt if neither is available, though this is not ideal. Always ask the operator in advance if a car seat is needed.
2. Do taxi drivers need a special licence to take children to school?
They need a standard licensed taxi or private hire vehicle licence from their local council. If they are regularly transporting children as part of a school contract, they are subject to enhanced background checks including a check against the Children's Barred List. Always use a fully licensed local operator.
3. What age can a child travel alone in a taxi to school?
There is no legal minimum age in England. The decision depends on the maturity and confidence of your child. Most parents are comfortable with secondary school children travelling alone. For younger children, consider asking the operator about escort options or arranging for an older sibling to travel with them.
4. Will my local council pay for a taxi to school?
Possibly. Children attending their nearest suitable school who live more than 2 miles away (under 8) or more than 3 miles away (aged 8 and over) may qualify for free transport arranged by the local authority. Contact your council's transport team to find out whether your child is eligible before arranging private transport.
5. How do I make sure the taxi driver is safe to take my child to school?
Use a licensed local operator and ask whether their drivers hold Enhanced DBS checks. Read reviews, check that the company is properly licensed by your local council, and confirm the driver is familiar with the school's drop-off procedure. Reputable operators like South Ribble Taxis work within the licensed framework and can confirm their credentials on request.
.svg)
© 2026 South Ribble Taxis. All Rights Reserved.
