Driver Terms & Conditions

Last updated: November 2025

1. Agreement Overview

These Driver Terms & Conditions ("Driver Terms") govern the relationship between you (the "Driver") and XTAXI24 LIMITED ("XTaxi24", "we", "us"). XTaxi24 operates as a disclosed agent, connecting passengers with independent drivers like you. This is an agreement for your use of our technology platform to receive ride requests from passengers.

Key Point: You provide transportation services directly to passengers. XTaxi24 facilitates the connection, processes payments on your behalf, and provides platform services. We do not provide transportation - you do as an independent contractor.

Company: XTAXI24 LIMITED
Company Number: 16842929
Director: Mathu George
Registered Office: 12 St Wilfrids Way, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH16 3QH
Licensing Authority: Mid Sussex District Council

2. Independent Contractor Status

3. Driver Requirements

3.1 Legal Requirements

To drive with XTaxi24, you MUST have:

• Valid UK Hackney Carriage Driver License - Issued by Mid Sussex District Council
• Age: Minimum 21 years old (some vehicle types may require 25+)
• Right to Work: Legal right to work in the UK
• DBS Check: Enhanced DBS check (we can help arrange this)
• Valid UK Driving License: Held for minimum 3 years
• Clean Driving Record: No more than 6 penalty points (exceptions considered case-by-case)

3.2 Vehicle Requirements

Your vehicle MUST meet these standards:

• Hackney Carriage Vehicle License: Licensed with Mid Sussex District Council
• Age: No more than 10 years old (from date of first registration)
• Condition: Clean, well-maintained, free from damage
• Seating: Minimum 4 passenger seats (specify when registering: 4, 6, or 8 seats)
• MOT: Valid MOT certificate
• Road Tax: Current and valid
• Safety Features: Working seatbelts, airbags, and safety equipment

3.3 Insurance Requirements

Critical - You MUST have:

• Hackney Carriage Insurance: Comprehensive cover specifically for hackney carriage/taxi work
• Minimum Cover: Third-party, fire and theft (comprehensive recommended)
• Business Use: Policy must explicitly cover "hire and reward"
• Validity: Insurance must remain valid at all times while using the app

4. How the Platform Works

4.1 Our Role as Agent

XTaxi24 acts as a disclosed agent to facilitate connections between passengers and drivers:

• We operate a technology platform that matches passengers with independent drivers
• We receive payments from passengers on your behalf and transfer your earnings to you
• The transportation contract is between you and the passenger
• You provide the transportation service as an independent contractor
• We retain a commission for platform services (booking, payment processing, support)

4.2 Ride Matching

• We send you ride requests based on your location and availability
• You have the right to accept or decline any ride request
• Once accepted, you enter into a contract directly with the passenger
• Passengers pay through the app - we collect payment on your behalf

4.2 Going Online/Offline

• You control when you work by toggling "online" or "offline"
• When online, we track your location to match you with nearby passengers
• When offline, you do not receive ride requests and we do not track your location
• You are free to work as much or as little as you choose

4.3 Accepting Rides

• Ride requests show: pickup location, passenger rating, estimated fare, distance
• You have 30 seconds to accept or decline
• Once accepted, you MUST fulfill the ride unless there's a valid safety concern
• Excessive cancellations may result in account suspension (see section 11)

5. Payment & Earnings

5.1 Fare Calculation

Fares are calculated by XTaxi24 based on:

• Distance (per mile rate)
• Time (per minute rate)
• Base fare
• Demand pricing (surge during busy periods)
• Route is determined by GPS navigation

Note: Current fare structure is visible in the driver app. Fares are set by XTaxi24 and may change with notice.

5.2 Commission Structure

[TO BE DETERMINED] - Commission rate to be finalized and communicated to drivers. Options typically include:

• Percentage-based commission (e.g., 15-25% of fare)
• Fixed fee per ride
• Subscription model

Current arrangement: To be agreed upon driver onboarding.

5.3 Payment Schedule & Agent Processing

How Payment Works (Agent Model):

• Passenger pays XTaxi24 through the app (we receive payment on your behalf as your agent)
• We deduct our commission for platform services
• We transfer your earnings to your bank account or Stripe Connect account

Payment Schedule:

• Frequency: Weekly (every Monday for previous week's rides)
• Method: Direct bank transfer (BACS) or Stripe Connect instant payout
• Minimum Payout: £20 (balances below £20 roll over to next week)
• Timeline: Payments processed within 3-5 business days (or instant with Stripe)

5.4 Additional Earnings

• Tips: Passengers can tip through the app - 100% goes to you
• Waiting Time: Paid for waiting beyond 5 minutes at pickup
• Tolls: Reimbursed if incurred during ride (added to fare)
• Airport Pickups: May include additional premium (if applicable)

5.5 Deductions

XTaxi24 may deduct from your earnings:

• Platform commission (as per agreed rate)
• Cleaning fees (if passenger soils vehicle - £50-150 depending on severity)
• Disputed fares (pending investigation)
• Refunds for cancelled rides (if you were at fault)

6. Taxes & Self-Employment

6.1 Your Tax Responsibilities

Critical: As a self-employed driver, you MUST:

• Register with HMRC as self-employed (within 3 months of starting)
• Complete Self Assessment tax returns annually
• Pay Income Tax on your earnings
• Pay National Insurance contributions
• Keep records of all income and expenses for 6 years

6.2 Expenses You Can Claim

As a self-employed driver, you can deduct:

• Fuel costs
• Vehicle insurance
• Vehicle maintenance and repairs
• MOT and servicing
• Cleaning supplies
• Phone/data costs (proportionate business use)
• License renewal fees
• Accountancy fees

Recommendation: Use accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, FreeAgent) or hire an accountant.

7. Driver Conduct & Standards

7.1 Professional Behavior

You MUST:

• Treat all passengers with respect and courtesy
• Maintain professional demeanor at all times
• Dress appropriately (clean, presentable clothing)
• Communicate clearly and politely
• Respect passenger privacy and confidentiality
• Follow the route suggested by GPS unless passenger requests otherwise
• Assist passengers with luggage (if safe to do so)
• Welcome service animals

7.2 Prohibited Conduct

You MUST NOT:

• Discriminate against passengers based on protected characteristics (race, gender, disability, religion, sexual orientation, etc.)
• Refuse rides without valid reason (safety concerns are valid)
• Request off-app payments or additional cash payments
• Share passenger personal information
• Use inappropriate language or behavior
• Make unwanted advances toward passengers
• Drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Use mobile phone while driving (except hands-free navigation)
• Smoke or vape in the vehicle
• Exceed passenger capacity of your vehicle
• Deviate from route to increase fare

7.3 Vehicle Standards

Your vehicle MUST be:

• Clean inside and out
• Free from unpleasant odors
• Free from excessive personal items
• Well-maintained with no warning lights
• At comfortable temperature (heating/AC working)
• Equipped with working seatbelts for all passengers

8. Safety & Security

8.1 Passenger Safety

• Drive safely and obey all traffic laws
• Do not exceed speed limits
• Ensure all passengers wear seatbelts
• Do not drive fatigued - take breaks
• Report any safety concerns immediately
• Do not transport more passengers than your license permits

8.2 Driver Safety

• You have the right to refuse rides if you feel unsafe
• You can end rides if passenger behavior is threatening
• Use app emergency features if needed
• Report concerning behavior to XTaxi24 immediately
• Contact police if you feel in immediate danger (call 999)

8.3 Lost Property

• Check vehicle after each ride
• Report lost items found through the app
• Return items to passengers when possible (reasonable fee may apply)
• Items not claimed within 30 days may be disposed of

9. Ratings & Feedback

9.1 Rating System

• Passengers rate drivers on a 1-5 star scale
• Your average rating is visible to you and passengers
• Maintain minimum 4.0 star average to remain active
• Ratings below 4.0 may result in account review or deactivation

9.2 Improving Your Rating

• Provide excellent customer service
• Keep vehicle clean and comfortable
• Drive safely and efficiently
• Be polite and professional
• Offer bottled water or phone chargers (optional but appreciated)

10. Data & Privacy

10.1 Your Data

We collect and process:

• Personal information (name, address, license details)
• Location data (only when you're online)
• Ride history and earnings
• Ratings and feedback
• Vehicle and insurance documents

See our Privacy Policy for full details.

10.2 Passenger Data

You may access:

• Passenger first name and rating
• Pickup and dropoff locations
• Phone number (only for ride coordination)

You MUST NOT:

• Share passenger information with third parties
• Use passenger data for purposes outside of completing the ride
• Contact passengers after ride completion (except for lost property)
• Store or copy passenger information

11. Account Suspension & Termination

11.1 Suspension Reasons

Your account may be suspended for:

• Rating below 4.0 stars
• High cancellation rate (>10% of accepted rides)
• Passenger complaints
• Expired licenses or insurance
• Violation of these terms
• Suspected fraudulent activity

11.2 Immediate Termination

Your account will be immediately terminated for:

• Driving without valid insurance or license
• Criminal activity
• DUI/DWI offense
• Sexual harassment or assault
• Violence or threats toward passengers
• Discrimination
• Fraud or fare manipulation

11.3 Appeal Process

If your account is suspended:

1. You'll receive email notification with reason
2. You can appeal via email to drivers@xtaxi24.com
3. We'll review within 5 business days
4. Decision is final

11.4 Voluntary Termination

You can stop driving for XTaxi24 at any time by:

• Deleting your driver account through the app
• Emailing drivers@xtaxi24.com
• Outstanding earnings will be paid out in next payment cycle

12. Liability & Insurance

12.1 Driver Liability

You are responsible for:

• All accidents and damage during rides
• Traffic violations and fines
• Injury to passengers (covered by your insurance)
• Damage to passenger property
• Your own medical expenses

12.2 XTaxi24 Liability

XTaxi24 is NOT liable for:

• Accidents or injuries during rides
• Vehicle damage
• Lost earnings due to app downtime
• Disputes with passengers
• Your insurance claims

To the maximum extent permitted by UK law, our total liability is limited to the amount you earned in the last 3 months (maximum £1,000).

13. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Driver Terms periodically. We'll notify you of significant changes via:

• Email to your registered address
• In-app notification
• Updated "Last modified" date at top of page

Continued use of the platform after changes constitutes acceptance.

14. Governing Law

These Driver Terms are governed by the laws of England & Wales. Any disputes will be resolved in the courts of England & Wales.

15. Contact Information

Driver Support:
Email: drivers@xtaxi24.com
Phone: 01444 718418
Address: 12 St Wilfrids Way, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH16 3QH