Free Now drivers are not automatically licensed professionals
Free Now (the ride-hailing app formerly known as MyTaxi) requires its drivers to hold a valid driving license, but the company does not issue professional licenses or certifications itself. Whether a Free Now driver counts as a "licensed professional" depends on local law where they operate — some cities require ride-hail drivers to obtain a separate commercial or professional driver permit, while others do not.
The confusion often comes from mixing two different things: a standard driving license (which Free Now requires) and a professional driver license or ride-hail permit (which may or may not be required depending on your location). Free Now handles background checks and vehicle inspections, but it does not replace whatever licensing your local authority demands.
Key Takeaways
- Free Now drivers must hold a valid standard driving license, but this alone does not make them licensed professionals in most places.
- Many cities and countries require ride-hail drivers to obtain a separate commercial or professional driver permit beyond their standard license.
- Free Now's background checks and vehicle inspections are company requirements, not government licensing — they do not substitute for local professional licensing rules.
- The rules vary significantly by country and city, so a driver licensed to work in one location may not meet requirements in another.
How Free Now's driver requirements differ from professional licensing
Free Now has its own onboarding process: drivers submit their standard driving license, proof of insurance, vehicle registration, and pass a background check. The company also inspects the vehicle to confirm it meets safety and cleanliness standards. These steps are Free Now's internal vetting, not government licensing.
Professional driver licensing is separate and comes from your local authority — usually your city's transport regulator or licensing board. In London, for example, ride-hail drivers need a Private Hire Driver License from Transport for London (TfL) in addition to their standard driving license. In Berlin, drivers need a Personenbeförderungsschein (passenger transport license). Free Now cannot issue these; you must obtain them directly from the government body.
The distinction matters because Free Now approval does not mean you are legally permitted to drive passengers for hire in your area. You can pass Free Now's checks and still be breaking the law if you have not obtained the professional license your local authority requires.
Where professional driver licensing is required
The United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, France, and Italy all require ride-hail drivers to hold professional licenses beyond a standard driving license. In the UK, this is the Private Hire Driver License (different from a Hackney Carriage license for traditional taxis). In Germany, the requirement varies by state (Bundesland), but most require the Personenbeförderungsschein. In France, ride-hail drivers need a VTC (Voiture de Transport avec Chauffeur) license.
The United States has no single federal rule. Some cities (New York, San Francisco, Chicago) require ride-hail drivers to obtain a commercial license or permit; others do not. You must check your specific city or county rules. Free Now operates in fewer US cities than competitors like Uber or Lyft, so availability itself may indicate whether local licensing is required.
Even within countries that do require professional licensing, the exact rules can shift. Some places have recently loosened requirements or created new categories. Always confirm the current rules with your local transport authority or licensing office before assuming you are legal to drive.
What Free Now checks do and do not cover
Free Now's background check typically screens for criminal convictions, driving violations, and insurance status. The company also verifies that your vehicle meets safety standards (working lights, brakes, seatbelts, no major damage). These checks protect passengers and the company's reputation, but they are not the same as government licensing.
Free Now does not issue you a license or permit. It does not contact your local authority on your behalf. It does not confirm that you have met local professional licensing requirements — that is your responsibility. If your city requires a professional driver license and you do not have one, Free Now's approval does not make you legal to work.
Some drivers mistakenly believe that passing Free Now's checks means they are compliant with all local rules. This is not true. You must research and obtain any professional licenses your area requires, separate from Free Now's process.
How to find out what licensing you need
Start by contacting your local transport authority, licensing board, or city council. Search for "ride-hail driver license [your city]" or "professional driver permit [your city]" to find the right office. Many cities have websites that list requirements, fees, and process processes.
If you cannot find clear information online, call the licensing office directly. Have your city and country ready, and ask: "Do I need a professional or commercial driver license to drive for a ride-hail company like Free Now?" They will tell you whether one is required, what it costs, how long it takes to obtain, and what documents you need.
Do this before you explore to Free Now, not after. Some drivers have completed Free Now's onboarding only to discover they cannot legally work because they lack a required professional license. Checking first saves time and frustration.
What happens if you drive without required professional licensing
Penalties vary by location but can include fines, vehicle impoundment, suspension of your Free Now account, and in some cases criminal charges. In the UK, driving passengers for hire without a Private Hire Driver License can result in fines up to £17,500 and potential prosecution. In Germany, operating without the required Personenbeförderungsschein can lead to fines and legal action.
Beyond legal risk, you may have no insurance coverage if you are in an accident while working illegally. Your personal auto insurance typically does not cover commercial ride-hailing, and Free Now's insurance may not cover you if you are not licensed to drive in your area. This leaves you personally liable for damages.
Free Now can also deactivate your account if it discovers you are not compliant with local rules. This can happen during a routine audit or after a passenger complaint triggers an investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Free Now's background check count as professional licensing?
No. Free Now's background check is the company's internal vetting process. It does not replace professional driver licensing that your local authority may require. You must obtain any required professional licenses separately from your government's transport or licensing office.
Can I drive for Free Now in one city and then move to another without getting a new license?
Not necessarily. Professional driver licensing requirements vary by city and country. A license valid in London may not be valid in Berlin, and a license valid in one US city may not be valid in another. You must check the rules in each new location and obtain any required licenses before you start driving there.
How long does it take to get a professional driver license for ride-hail work?
This varies widely. In the UK, a Private Hire Driver License typically takes two to four weeks after you submit your process. In Germany, the Personenbeförderungsschein can take several weeks to several months depending on the state. In the US, timelines vary from days to weeks depending on the city. Contact your local licensing office for their specific timeline.
What if my city does not require a professional driver license for ride-hail?
Then Free Now's approval and your standard driving license are sufficient to work legally. However, you should still confirm this in writing by checking your city's official transport or licensing website or by calling the relevant office. Rules change, and it is better to verify than to assume.
Can Free Now help me get a professional driver license?
Free Now does not issue professional licenses, and it typically does not help drivers obtain them. That is your responsibility. Some cities offer resources or guides on their licensing office websites. Free Now may provide information about local requirements in its driver materials, but you must explore for the license yourself through your local authority.