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.

Ride Locally.
Impact Globally.

Ride Share App Coming Soon!

Not a faceless tech giant. Just a community-owned platform built for the West Country. From Stokes Croft to the Royal Crescent, experience fairer fares and better pay for Drivers across Bath and Bristol areas.

Subscribe to our newsletter to know when we launch:

Compact Modern Stats
                1,780+
                Verified Drivers
            
                100%
                Community Focused

Zippe Hero Section Redesign

We have 1,780 Drivers to get you from point A to point B.

We solve the challenge of finding dependable and accessible rides, while also ensuring fair treatment for Drivers.

Zippe has created a transportation experience that meets diverse needs and contributes positively to the community, making every journey more meaningful and impactful.

Download on the App Store

Get it on Google Play

We do things differently around here

We know the pain of waiting for a taxi by Pulteney Bridge in the rain. We built an app that works for our cities, our Drivers, and you.

Fairer Driver Pay

We take a smaller cut, meaning Drivers earn a living wage and you don't face extortionate surges.

Locally Run

Based right here. Our taxes stay here. Our profits are reinvested in Bath and Bristol.

Total Privacy

Your data is yours. We never sell your trip history or location data to third parties. Ever.

Why Ride With Zippe?

Safe

Your safety is our top priority, guaranteed by fully DBS-checked, licensed Drivers who complete rigorous vetting. This commitment extends to secure vehicles maintained to the highest regulatory standards and essential real-time tracking for peace of mind on every journey.

Reliable

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, punctuality, and respect.

Community-Focussed

Every ride helps support local charities and strengthens our community, making a positive impact with every trip. We are committed to fostering strong relationships and contributing directly to our area.

Fair

Looking to become a Driver and receive fair Driver pay? We are the ethical transport company, ensuring both riders and our licensed Drivers benefit from a service built on respect and integrity.

Harbourside, Bristol

3 mins away

From Stokes Croft to the Suspension Bridge

Whether you're heading for a pint by the harbour, catching a gig on Gloucester Road, or commuting from Clifton — we've got cars around every corner, driven by locals who know the fastest rat-runs.

24/7 Availability across Greater Bristol
Know your driver, know your fare

Pulteney Bridge, Bath

Arriving now

Reliable rides around the Roman Baths and beyond

Navigating Bath's one-way systems shouldn't cost the earth. We provide safe, elegant travel from SouthGate to the Royal Crescent, without the wait.

Clean, modern fleet for a cleaner city
Perfect for university students and locals alike

We’re expanding, community by community

At Zippe, we’re committed to bringing safe, reliable, and community-focused transportation to towns and cities across the UK.

If you don't see your area listed yet, we want to hear from you! We're always looking to expand and bring our trusted services to new communities. Let us know where you'd like to see Zippe next by contacting us, and together, we can make a difference in your local area.

East

Coming soon!

North West

Liverpool (H2S only)

Wales

Cardiff (Excl. H2S)

East Midlands

Coming soon!

South East

Southampton (H2S only)

West Midlands

Herefordshire (H2S only)

North East

Coming soon!

South West

Bath & NE Somerset Bristol Bournemouth / Poole North Somerset South Glos Gloucester (H2S) Somerset (H2S) Swindon / Wiltshire

Yorkshire

Coming soon!

Ride with us

Download the Zippe Rider App to book a safe, reliable ride in your local area with just a few clicks.

Coming Soon

Drive with us

Join Zippe to earn extra money, enjoy fair Driver treatment, and support your local community.

Download Now