These cabs are definitely a breed apart from Black Cabs and vary
greatly in their service offering.  Minicab drivers do not sit any special
license, the cars can range from deathly rust buckets on wheels, to your
standard family model sedan.  A good driver will carry a map book and know
the general areas of London, while others rely on you to tell them directions to
your destination.  (Your worst nightmare at 4 am!)

The pros of the minicab however, are often that they are your only way of getting home late
at night - and the early hours of the morning.  Some of the nightclubs in the city now offer a
more professional service leaving directly from the club and offer fairly standardised fares.   Due
to supply and demand however, expect prices to be expensive.  After all, they realize that your
choices of getting home are them, waiting an hour for a night bus, or walking the long walk home.

DON'T ever get in to a minicab before establishing a set price.  These cabs do not run on meters
like your Black Cab - and you may find yourself being ripped off when you reach your destination if
you have not established your fare beforehand.  Expect to haggle on your price - never accept their
first price unless you are familiar with the costs and are happy with the offer.  For a rough estimate,
a ride from Soho, or Central London to Clapham Junction can cost up to £15 - £18, depending on
the time of night (or early morning), and availability of other cars.  Be firm whilst haggling as well
- often these cabbies will hear a foreign accent and try to take advantage.  Ask around before
you leave a club or bar, and try to find out what the standard price is before heading for the
cabs.  In this instance, a little knowledge can go a long way.