Section 4: Staying safe
2,037 words · checked 2026-10-03 · Pro
Driving passengers for a living can bring difficult moments, and your safety matters as much as your passengers' safety. This note brings together the staying safe guidance from the TfL PHV Driver's Handbook (Section 4) and the TfL Taxi Driver Handbook (Section 5, Driver safety). It applies to both PHV and taxi drivers, and it points out the small differences between the two roles.
Your right to a safe working life
Angry or violent behaviour at work is never acceptable. If a passenger becomes angry or violent, you have the right to say that you will not accept that behaviour. If that fails, and it is safe to do so, you can ask them to leave.
Offensive or violent behaviour towards you because of your race, faith, sexual orientation, disability or gender identity is a hate crime. TfL urges you to report this type of behaviour to the police so that it can be fully investigated and action taken against the offender. Report incidents to the police as soon as possible on 101 (or online), or call 999 in an emergency.
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