I already drive for Uber in Bristol. Can I just add Zippe to my existing setup?

Yes, straightforwardly. Your Bristol City Council private hire driver’s and vehicle licences already cover you to work for any licensed private hire operator — you don’t need a new licence to add Zippe. Download the Zippe Driver app, upload your existing licence documents, and you’re typically approved within 48 hours. You can then run both platforms simultaneously.

Does it matter what car I drive?

It matters to Bristol City Council’s licensing team more than it matters to Zippe. The council requires your vehicle to be under 10 years old, pass their vehicle inspection, and meet their private hire vehicle standards. Within those parameters, Zippe accepts saloons, estates, MPVs, hybrids, electric vehicles, and wheelchair accessible vehicles.

Can I work in Bath with a Bristol City Council licence?

A Bristol City Council private hire licence authorises you to accept pre-booked trips through a Bristol-licensed operator. Trips that begin in Bristol and end in Bath are generally fine. Basing yourself primarily in Bath and accepting trips originating there is a more complex question — the rules on cross-boundary PHV operation are nuanced and worth confirming directly with Bristol City Council.

What’s the DVLA check code and do I actually need it?

Yes. Bristol City Council requires a DVLA licence check code as part of your application — it allows them to view your driving record online without you posting your physical licence. Generate it through the DVLA’s 'Share Driving Licence' service on gov.uk. Note that each code expires after 21 days.

Is there a knowledge test for private hire drivers in Bristol?

No. Bristol City Council does not require a topographical knowledge test for private hire licence applicants. (The knowledge test applies to hackney carriage — black cab — licences only.)

I have a Bristol licence. Can I drive in Bath?

A Bristol City Council licence allows you to pick up pre-booked passengers through a Bristol-licensed operator. If you plan to base yourself primarily in Bath, you should contact the B&NES licensing team to ensure you are compliant with their specific cross-boundary rules. Often, if Bath is your main area, a B&NES licence is the safer, more professional route.

B&NES has specific vehicle standards regarding age and condition. Always check the B&NES council website before purchasing a vehicle for work. Hybrids and EVs are increasingly popular in Bath—they are cheaper to run in stop-start city traffic and are a big hit with eco-conscious tourists.

Who is Zippe? Find Out More About Us

Transport Is More Than a Service: It’s a Responsibility

We’re ensuring every taxi and private hire trip is safe, reliable, and responsible — for riders and Drivers alike.

Safe

Reliable

Ethical

Responsible

The Journey to Making Communities Better

We didn't just notice the flaws in the traditional rideshare model; we witnessed first-hand its destructive impact on drivers and local economies. In 2017, we decided enough was enough, and we committed ourselves to building a better, fairer system.

Our success is already evident: we are proudly approved as a Home-2-School transport provider for 23 Local Authorities, demonstrating our capacity for reliable, high-trust service.

And, we're not stopping there—this is just the beginning of truly sustainable ridesharing.

At the core of our proposition is the idea of giving back.

Daniel McIntyre, Founder & CEO

Our Roots: From the Driver’s Seat to a Regional Movement

2017: The First Mile

Zippe didn’t start in a boardroom; it started behind the wheel. Our founder, Daniel McIntyre, witnessed first-hand how global platforms were removing the "human element" from local transport.

2020: A New Mission

We became Zippe with a singular mission: to fix a broken industry. We committed to building a system where technology serves the community, not the other way around.

EST. 2017

Why We Are Different

Pillar 01

People Over Platforms

While global competitors are racing toward "driverless" models, Zippe is doubling down on humans. We believe that a computer can’t read a pedestrian’s body language or offer a helping hand to a student on their first day of school. To us, our 1,780+ Drivers are the value, not the cost.

Pillar 02

The "Fairness First" Model

We believe that safe rides start with fair treatment. By offering the highest Driver pay in the region, we attract the most experienced, dedicated, and professional Drivers in Bath, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire. When a Driver is respected, the service is superior.

Pillar 03

The Gold Standard of Safety

Safety isn’t a marketing buzzword; it’s our foundation. This is why we are now the approved Home-2-School provider for 23 Local Authorities.

Enhanced Vetting Every Driver undergoes rigorous, enhanced DBS checks.
Real-Time Peace of Mind Our app allows parents and passengers to track every mile in real-time.
Compliant Fleet Every vehicle is maintained to the highest local regulatory standards.

Pillar 04

Keeping it Local

When you book with Zippe, your money doesn't disappear into a global corporate fund. It stays here. Our profits are reinvested into our local economy and used to support community causes and charities right here in the South West.

What Matters To Us

Safety

Your safety is our top priority, guaranteed by fully DBS-checked, licensed drivers who complete rigorous vetting. Every journey features real-time tracking for total peace of mind.

Reliability

Count on us for dependable, on-time service that ensures you get where you need to be without the stress. Staff adhere to a strict code of conduct focused on discretion and respect.

Community-Focus

Every ride helps support local charities and strengthens our community, making a positive impact with every trip. We foster strong relationships that contribute directly to our area.

Fairness

We are the ethical transport company, ensuring both riders and licensed drivers benefit from a service built on fair pay, respect, and integrity.

Make Each and Every Trip Count.

Zippe
Home-2-School

Ensures peace of mind for parents
Meets school and local authority standards
Safe, reliable transportation with vetted Drivers
Includes real-time tracking features

Discover More

Status: Live

Optimization

Zippe
Access

Safe, accessible transportation for individuals with disabilities
Trained Drivers and equipped vehicles
Focus on comfort and dignity

Coming Soon

Accessibility Active

Comfort

Zippe
Corporate

Empowering businesses with ethical transportation
Supports local charities and social responsibility
Ensures fair Driver pay
Aligns with environmental impact goals

Coming Soon

Impact Tracking

Charity Fund

Transport Is More Than a Service: It’s a Responsibility

The Journey to Making Communities Better