Taxi driver

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

College

You may be able to do a college course, which could give you an advantage when looking for work. Courses include:

• Level 2 Certificate in Road Passenger Vehicle Driving - Taxi and Private Hire
• Level 2 Certificate in Introduction to the Role of the Professional Taxi and Private Hire Driver

Entry requirements:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

Entry requirements:

DirectApplication

You can apply directly to become a taxi driver if you've got a taxi driver's licence . This is often a common way into this job.

You'll need to meet the registration and licensing requirements of the taxi company you'll be working for and the local authority area where you'll operate. You'll usually need your own vehicle.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• customer service skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• active listening skills
• the ability to work well with others
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• knowledge of public safety and security
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• sensitivity and understanding
• concentration skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• a desire to help people
• the ability to work well with your hands
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• knowledge of English language
• business management skills

What you'll do:

Taxi drivers pick up passengers and charge a fee to take them to their destination by the quickest route.

In this job, you will:

• take job details over the radio, by phone, on the in-car computer or via an app
• help to load and unload passengers' luggage
• help passengers to get in and out of the vehicle if required
• take payments for fares or log them online
• keep your vehicle clean and in a roadworthy condition
• make sure accounts and records are up to date

Location : You could work from a vehicle.
Environment : Your working environment may be you'll travel often.

Salary:

Starter : £14,000
Experienced : £30,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

41 - 43 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

Career Path:

If you're employed by a larger taxi firm, you could become a supervisor or manager in the dispatch control room. You could also move into taxi licensing with a local authority.

As a self-employed driver, you could become a taxi operator and increase your earnings by running a private hire firm, employing other drivers.