MINI-CAB (n.) A Sedan with oriental provenance of indeterminate age used to convey the Inebriated by its Driver whose paucity of English is matched only by his geographical knowledge
Dr. Johnson’s London Dictionary for publick consumption in the twenty-first century avail yourself on Twitter @JohnsonsLondon
CabbieBlog 
Ah, back when I was classed as a ‘minicab driver’ in 1973-1975, I had a brand new car, and a wide geographical knowledge of London and the Home Counties. I also spoke perfect English, albeit with a South London accent that some might think doesn’t qualify as ‘English’. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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I think we can safely say that you were probably unique.
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Most of the guys I worked with back then were 100% straight. Smartly dressed, nice newish cars, and knew where they were going. Many years later, I took some minicabs like those you mention, for a lack of any alternative. If I had to tell them how to get to my house, no tip. Fortunately, once I moved to Camden Town, I could always guarantee to get a real cab on Hampstead Road, and never used a minicab again. Mind you, I did once have to tell a real cabbie how to get from Euston, to Union Street in Southwark. I suspected he was (illegally) using someone else’s cab!
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Unfortunately, yes some black cabs were doubled up with non-badge holders.
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