Your job is to ferry people without transport, over the drink-drive limit or stranded in villages without regular public transport to their destination as safely, directly and as quickly as possible. You may just be taking them a couple of miles into town to do their weekly shop or you may be doing a lucrative airport run. There are two types of driver: Hackney carriage (or black cab) – you can flag these down anywhere – or private hire, which have to be booked.
Who can I work for?
There are a whole host of big national and local independent companies to choose from. Many drivers are self-employed. Others drive for operating firms. These will rent the car from the operator and will need to cover their own costs. Visit taxi-firms.com.
Where and when can I work?
In a car. Very anti-social hours. That's because the most profitable hours of business are out-of-office hours, ie weekends and, most popularly, chucking-out times at pubs and clubs. Usually 40 hours a week, but you can work more.
What can I earn?
All depends on what hours you're prepared to put in. You listen to 100 different taxi drivers and each one will give you a different figure! However, a driver working normal hours should earn between £13K-£22K once expenses (petrol, radio, licences, etc) have been deducted.
What are the benefits?
Not stuck in an office, freelancers are their own bosses. Job satisfaction for those with a love of the open (and occasionally congested) road. Tips, especially at Christmas. Picking up all the local gossip. More than one esteemed journalist has said that taxi drivers were his best source of unearthing stories.
Are there chances of promotion?
You may move to the business side of the industry – such as management, etc. Or you might get into the more lucrative business of chaffering wealthy individuals/celebrities and directors from large businesses.
What will I be responsible for?
- Learning the road layouts in your area – though this has now been greatly augmented by the use of sat-nav systems.
- Assisting passengers with carrying their things to and from the car.
- Transporting passengers from A to B in a safe manner.
- Staying vigilant, both to the condition of the roads and to your taxi office operator working over your radio system, so you know where you next job is.
- Picking up fares at taxi ranks (if a hackney carriage driver) and/or being flagged down in the street.
- Ensuring the vehicle is roadworthy at all times.
- Doing the paperwork – log sheets, insurance, licensing, etc.
- Knowing the insurance laws.
- Keeping abreast of the latest passenger safety legislation.
What qualifications do I need?
A driving licence of at least on year with as few points as possible on it. Then you'll need an operator's licence from your local council's licensing department or London's Public Carriage Office. To obtain one of these you will need to pass a criminal records check and medical, be over 21, pass a 'Knowledge' test – this will examine your familiarity of the local roads – and occasionally an additional driving exam.
Do I need any experience?
As much driving experience as possible and the ability to show a good working knowledge of the area you wish to work in. Talk to cabbies you know about the job – most aren't shy at coming forward on the subject.
What attributes are needed?
Physical strength. Some of your older, infirmer passengers may need shopping/luggage carried to and from the vehicle. A cheery, conversational manner – to some passengers, especially older ones, you may be their only point of contact all week. Tolerance tempered with assertiveness – especially when dealing with drunks. A good knowledge of the local roads.