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Taxi driver
Cab driver, private hire driver, minicab driver
Taxi drivers pick up passengers and charge a fee to take them to their destination by the quickest route.
Average salary (a year)
£14000
Starter
£30000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
41.0 to 43.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
evenings / weekends / bank holidays
on shifts
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
You can get into this job through:a college course; applying directly
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
You'll usually need:
  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
search for courses|/find-a-course
Direct Application
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.
More Information
Registrations
you'll need a taxi driver's licence from your local council',s licensing unit or Transport for London (TfL), if you want to work in London.
Further Information
You can get more details about working as a taxi driver from the National Private Hire Association.
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
    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
Digital Skills Level
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Other Requirements
If you're a private hire driver, you'll need hire or reward insurance. You may also want to take out public liability insurance.
Related Restrictions
complete a driving skills assessment
have a full UK or EU driving licence, held for at least 12 months, or 3 years if working in London
pass a medical check
be over 18 but over 21 in some areas, including London
pass a local geography test, known as 'The Knowledge' if working in London
if you work in London, you'll need to meet the English language requirement
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
Day to day tasks
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
Working environment
You could work from a vehicle.
Your working environment may be you'll travel often.
Career Path & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
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.
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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