: a small car used as a taxicab specifically, British : one that can be engaged by phone but is not licensed to cruise for customers.

Why is it called a minicab?

"Minicabs" are private hire vehicles driven by private hire drivers. This type of vehicle cannot be hailed on the street. Instead, passengers must pre-book with a private hire operator who dispatches the job to a private hire driver.

What is a London minicab?

Private hire (minicabs)

In London the term minicab is used to refer to a private hire car and "private hire" is used in the rest of the United Kingdom; that is a car with a driver available for hire only on a pre-booked basis.