Why does the contract's wording on status matter?
Because courts look at how the relationship works in practice, not only the words. In Uber BV v Aslam (2021) the UK Supreme Court unanimously held that the drivers were workers despite contracts describing them as independent, so a contract must match reality.[1][2]
The outline
Use it as a checklist with your solicitor; it is not a ready-to-sign contract.
1. PARTIES AND DATE Operator: [legal name, address, licence number] Driver: [name, address, driver licence number and authority] 2. STATUS State the intended status (self-employed contractor / worker / employee) and describe how work is actually offered, accepted and refused. 3. LICENCES AND CHECKS Driver keeps a valid [hackney/private hire] licence from [authority]; reports convictions, cautions and licence changes within [x] days; DBS and medical renewals. 4. VEHICLE Driver-owned / operator-owned / rented: who licenses, insures, maintains and tests the vehicle; damage and accident procedure. 5. MONEY Commission [ %] of fares / weekly rent [amount] / settle fee; how cash, card and account fares are reconciled; settlement frequency and statements; deductions allowed. 6. INSURANCE Hire and reward insurance: who arranges and pays; public liability; claims procedure. 7. HOURS AND AVAILABILITY How shifts or availability are agreed; any minimums or none. 8. CONDUCT AND SAFEGUARDING Code of conduct; safeguarding duties; passenger complaints; zero tolerance items. 9. TECHNOLOGY AND DATA Driver app use, location tracking while on shift, data protection, recording of bookings. 10. TERMINATION Notice periods; immediate termination grounds (licence revoked, serious misconduct); return of equipment. 11. DISPUTES AND GOVERNING LAW [ ] SIGNATURES
What records should back the agreement?
Settlement statements for every period, booking records showing who did which job, and copies of licences, insurance and checks with expiry dates. A dispatch system with driver settlements produces the statements from the jobs themselves.
See driver settlements and commission plans in TaxiDex.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a legally binding contract?
No. It is an outline of clauses to discuss with a solicitor or attorney in your country, who can draft a contract that fits your model and local law.
What is a taxi driver and owner agreement?
An agreement between a vehicle owner and the driver who uses the vehicle, usually covering rent, maintenance, insurance and damage; the vehicle sections of this outline cover it.
Sources
Fees and rules change. Each source is the official page we read, with the date we read it; check it before you apply or pay.
- [1] UK Supreme Court: Uber BV v Aslam [2021] UKSC 5, press summary (19 February 2021) (read 2 Nov 2026)
- [2] GOV.UK: Employment status (read 2 Nov 2026)