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Taxi Driver
Driving

How to become a Taxi Driver

What does a Taxi Driver do?

Thinking of becoming a Taxi Driver? Fare enough…

Taxi Drivers pick up and transport passengers to their destinations, getting them there as quickly and as safely as possible.

There are two main types of Taxi you can drive, Hackney carriages (a.k.a. ‘black cabs’) or private hire vehicles, and drivers may work for taxi companies or be self-employed. However, whichever type you choose to drive, taxis are an important and integral part of a city’s transport system, and one many people simply couldn’t imagine living without.

Primarily, people who really, really dislike buses...

Typical duties for a Taxi Driver may include:

  • Taking job requests via radio or on-board computer (see also: people sticking their hands up and waving)
  • Picking up passengers and delivering them to their destinations
  • Assisting passengers with any luggage or belongings they may have
  • Calculating fares and taking payments
  • Keeping your vehicle safe, clean and roadworthy

Is a career as a Taxi Driver right for me?

First and foremost, you’ll need to be comfortable behind the wheel if you’re thinking about becoming a Taxi Driver.

You’ll also often be working long shifts and irregular hours, with evenings and weekends generally being your busiest times. If you’re someone who gets bored of being on the road rather quickly, this might not be your true calling.

Other key skills for a Taxi driver include:

  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Good local knowledge
  • Empathy and the ability to speak to people from all walks of life
  • Flexibility
  • Time management skills
  • The ability to repeatedly answer questions such as ‘Been busy tonight?’ and ‘What time do you finish?’ without losing the will to live

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Career progression and salary expectations for a Taxi Driver

1

Taxi Driver

| Up to £25,000

Get qualified as a Taxi Driver

To become a Taxi Driver in the UK, you must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid UK driver's license. You'll then need to apply for a Taxi Driver License (TDL) from the local licensing authority, which typically involves passing a knowledge test assessing local road knowledge, undergoing a medical examination, and a criminal record check.

Additionally, if you plan to use your own vehicle, it must meet licensing requirements set by the local authority. Once licensed, you'll need to comply with regulations, including license renewal and vehicle maintenance, to legally operate as a Taxi Driver.

Courses that enhance your driving skills, customer service abilities, and knowledge of relevant regulations may also be beneficial.

Recommended Taxi Driver courses

  • Safeguarding for Taxi Drivers

    Online Training Academy
    CPD Accredited ! Free Certification | FREE Retake Exam | Lifetime Access | No Hidden Fees
    • Online
    • 1 hour · Self-paced
    • Certificate(s) included
    • 10 CPD points
    • Tutor support
    Great service
    ...licensed taxi drivers in the UK. Taxi company operators managing driver training and compliance. Local authorities and regulators overseeing taxi driver standards. Anyone interested in safeguarding practices within the transportation sector. Taxi Driver Private Hire Driver Taxi Company …
    £12

  • Safeguarding for Taxi Drivers

    IOMH
    Get a Free:(Child Protection & Safeguarding) Course! Updated Materials | CPD Certified | Tutor Support | Lifetime Access
    • Online
    • 2 hours · Self-paced
    • 20 CPD points
    • Tutor support
    Great service
    ...Safeguarding for Taxi Drivers course has no prerequisite. Therefore, you don’t need any educational qualification or experience to enrol in this Safeguarding for Taxi Drivers course. Taxi Driver - £15K to £30K/year. Private Hire Driver - £16K to £32K/year. Taxi Service …
    £14

What's it like to be a Taxi Driver?

"I’ve been doing driving jobs for most of my adult life really. I started with long-distance lorry driving, but I hated how lonely it got, which is the great thing about being a cabbie. The chat can get a bit boring sometimes, but you’re always meeting new people and getting a little window into their life. Also, you don’t tend to get a lot of tips driving lorries. So there is that…"

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