Taxi Driver

Also known as:

Driver, Taxi

Introduction

Taxi drivers transport passengers, by Hackney carriage (black cab) or private hire vehicle, to a required destination in return for a fixed tariff.

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Work Activities

Taxi drivers carry passengers to a required destination in return for a fixed charge. They may drive a Hackney carriage (black cab) or a private hire vehicle. Hackney carriage drivers may work from an established taxi rank or they can be hailed in the street. They usually drive purpose built vehicles.

Private hire vehicles may only carry out pre-booked work (usually via radio) and usually drive saloon type cars.

Passengers may be collected from entertainment venues, airports, railway stations or shopping areas as well as from businesses and private residential addresses. Taxi drivers make local or long distance journeys and need to have a thorough knowledge of regional and local routes.

Some taxi companies receive regular contract work. This could be from organisations such as the local Social Work Department or the Health Service, where passengers may be disabled or have special needs. Other work could come from companies who may require delivery services.

Taxi drivers usually help passengers to get luggage in and out of the vehicle. They deal with cash transactions, and may have to balance the books at the end of the shift/day. They are also responsible for making sure that their vehicles are roadworthy, which may involve making minor repairs from time to time.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You must be able to deal with all types of people including the occasional awkward or difficult customer. In tourist areas, it is useful to have background knowledge of places of interest, in order to provide information to visitors.

You must be a confident driver who is able to drive well in bad road and weather conditions. A helpful, trustworthy and patient manner is also useful.

Basic numeracy skills are essential, as taxi drivers are constantly dealing with money. You may also deal with your own business accounts.

All taxi drivers must pass a medical before being granted a licence, so reasonable physical fitness and good eyesight are essential.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Pay rates for taxi drivers are in the range of £200 - £230 a week, rising to £250 - £310. Top earners can make around £420 a week.

Working hours can be long and antisocial, involving evening, weekend and public holiday work. Part-time work may be available.

Most licensed taxi drivers are self-employed. They may own their vehicle, hire it from a fleet operator or rent a cab from an owner. Licences are obtained from local authorities.

Opportunities are available throughout the UK.

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Adult Opportunities

Age limits apply to this occupation.

Applicants for a Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) licence need to be at least 21 years old and have held a full driving licence for at least one year.

People that have experience of driving/delivery work may have an advantage.

A clean, current driving licence is required.
• 76% of taxi drivers and chauffeurs/chauffeuse are self-employed.
• 16% work part-time.
• 5% have flexible hours.
• 1% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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