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If you are interested in driving private hire cars, you can
get business start-up details from the National Private Hire
Association (NPHA).
The number of black cab taxi licences issued is limited,
whereas private hire vehicle licences are more freely
available. In all cases, you should contact your local
licensing unit for for exact licensing requirements in your
area.
See the NPHA and Transport Office websites for more details
about taxi driving, tests and licensing.
What further training and development can I do?
Your local licensing authority may offer you training to
help you meet their licence conditions. Schemes typically cover
licence applications, radio procedures, customer care,
disability awareness, basic mechanics, law and local
geography.
You could work towards the NVQ Level 2 in Road Passenger
Transport, specialising in Taxi or Private Hire.
You could also take the BTEC Level 2 Certificate in
Transporting Passengers by Taxi and Private Hire. This is a
short course designed to support new drivers and anyone who
wants to update their qualifications after a break from
driving.
What salary and other benefits can I
expect?
- Drivers working an average of 40 hours a week
in a major city can expect to earn between £12,000
and £20,000 a year.
- Some taxi drivers may be able to earn up to
£30,000 a year.
Earnings would depend on the level of fares, the
number of journeys made, and the hours worked.
Figures are intended as a guideline
only.
What are the hours and working
conditions?
This job allows you the flexibility to choose your
hours but you are likely to find more work in the
evenings and at weekends. Friday and Saturday evenings
would normally be your busiest times. You could expect
to work between 40 and 60 hours a week if
full-time.
You would spend most of your time on the road,
sometimes in heavy traffic.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- good driving skills and an awareness of road
safety
- a detailed knowledge of your area, including
street names, landmarks and one-way systems
- the ability to manage and plan your own
time
- good customer care skills
- an awareness of disabled access issues
- the ability to deal politely but firmly with
angry or drunken passengers
- good maths skills for cash handling, and
accounts (if self-employed)
- an understanding of laws and regulations
covering licensing, insurance and road use.
What opportunities are there?
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