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

XTaxi24 charges a small commission on each completed ride for use of the platform, dispatch services, and passenger connection. The commission rate will be communicated to you during onboarding and may be updated from time to time with reasonable notice.

5.3 Payment & Commission Schedule

How Payment Works (Driver Collects):

• You collect all fares directly from passengers — both cash and card payments
• Card payments are processed through your merchant account and go directly to you
• XTaxi24 invoices you weekly for platform commission

Commission Invoice Schedule:

• Frequency: Weekly invoice every Monday covering the previous week’s rides
• Details: Itemised breakdown of all completed rides and commission owed
• Delivery: Sent to your registered email and viewable in the driver app

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 include the following in your weekly commission invoice:

• Platform commission (as per agreed rate)
• Booking fees per ride
• Cleaning fees (if passenger soils vehicle - £50-150 depending on severity)
• Disputed fares (pending investigation)

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