Taxi drivers are often underrated in their field, but a career as a taxi driver can be an extremely rewarding one. It is a career that requires a great deal of skill, patience and the capacity retain an abundance of road knowledge in order to succeed. It is by no means an easy career choice, and those hoping to become a green badge holder in London should expect to be put through their paces and learn no fewer than 320 basic routes, 25,000 streets and 20,000 landmarks off by heart.
What you need
Luckily, outside of the Capital, training to become a taxi driver is a much less daunting experience, though that’s not to say that the wealth of knowledge required to do so should be taken lightly. Although no formal qualifications are expected when applying for a role as a taxi driver, you will need to obtain an operator’s license from your local council. You should also be expected to pass a criminal record check, a medical test and in some cases pass a geographical test too. Along with this you may also need your own vehicle (depending on the type of taxi service you work with) and you may need insurance from a provider like Quote Goat.
The person specification
As a taxi driver, your job is not only to pick up passengers and take them to their desired location, but to do so via the fastest route possible, and as such, honesty is a required trait. A safe and reliable driver is a must as it is not only your own safety you are now in care of. Fluency in the English language is also a must, as you will be required to answer the radio and note down any job details that are required, communicate regularly with customers, other taxi drivers and those working on the switchboard and keep up to date with relevant paperwork.
A job as a taxi driver is very much a customer-facing role, so patience and manners are required, even when dealing with not so friendly customers. Previous experience working in customer service is not essential but it would certainly be an advantage within this role. Hours are fairly flexible and the amount you work per week is generally down to you, but the average working week for a taxi driver in order to earn a living wage is between 40-60 hours, dependent of course on the company you work for.
The options
There are two choices available to you when applying for work in the taxi industry, the infamous black cab, or a licensed saloon car, or to work for a private hire company run via the use of an operator service. Whilst drivers who work from a hackney carriage can pick up passengers without pre-booking, those whose vehicle is a private car must only pick up those who have booked in advance. Although there are set rules regarding this, the job requirements of both positions are almost identical. On a daily basis, you will be required to answer the radio, arrive punctually, drive safely, aid customers entering and exiting the vehicles and help with their luggage, take payment and ensure your car is well maintained, both in terms of engine and interior.
Promotion
It might not be something you’ve considered, but in some cases it is possible to progress in your field when you become a taxi driver. Naturally you will be expected to spend a certain amount of time gaining hands on experience, but after several years it is possible to take on a more senior role, though this will mean little to no time spent driving and a time spent within a more office-based role instead. Alternatively, for those who wish to progress but are reluctant to leave their position as a driver, chauffeur jobs make for an interesting change and enable you to veer away from the same old passengers that you have been used to.
The information for this post was provided by Cab Direct.
Would you be a taxi driver? Let us know in the comments below!
Photo: Moyan Brenn / Flickr
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