becoming a taxi driver
Discussion
Basically its something ive always fancied as I love driving an am pretty much a people person, so am looking into being a taxi driver, but des anyone know how I go about doing it, do I have to take a practical test or anything? I don't really have a clue where to start, so if anyone can help, thanks, I ideally would like to be self employed if poss.
Here's a good place to start; https://www.gov.uk/government/policies/improving-l...
beko1987 said:
Remember to forget how to use your indicators, indicate to pull over as you mount the kerb, lane disipline and do 15mph under the speed limit everywhere. You'll fit in fine with the wycombe cabbies if so!
15mph under the limit with a paying passenger in the car, 15mph over the limit when responding to a job during peak period 
ts on a weekend!Contact local council for licence application.
Usually grant licence after checking criminal convictions.
Depends on area you live - when I first applied had a home visit from Police to confirm identity and have a quick chat.
Be prepared - done it for over 5 years and it aint an easy license to make money like everyone assumes.
Probably the worst paying and most anti-social job I ever done.
Also one thing guaranteed-never a dull moment.
I am not easily offended but some of the things I came across even shocked me.
Seen countless breakups, affairs drug deals etc - becomes a regulare sight.
So random - never know who you are picking up next, or where you will end up.
Picked up guy one night who was on the run from some dodgy blokes. Taking calls on 3 different mobiles while I was driving him on 30 mile trip, pulling a knife out from his jacket at one point. Got to destination, paid his fare and asked for holdall out of boot. Opened it up and was stuffed with cash, must have been tens of thousands.
Next night got job to take blood samples 320 miles down south for analysis.
Usually grant licence after checking criminal convictions.
Depends on area you live - when I first applied had a home visit from Police to confirm identity and have a quick chat.
Be prepared - done it for over 5 years and it aint an easy license to make money like everyone assumes.
Probably the worst paying and most anti-social job I ever done.
Also one thing guaranteed-never a dull moment.
I am not easily offended but some of the things I came across even shocked me.
Seen countless breakups, affairs drug deals etc - becomes a regulare sight.
So random - never know who you are picking up next, or where you will end up.
Picked up guy one night who was on the run from some dodgy blokes. Taking calls on 3 different mobiles while I was driving him on 30 mile trip, pulling a knife out from his jacket at one point. Got to destination, paid his fare and asked for holdall out of boot. Opened it up and was stuffed with cash, must have been tens of thousands.
Next night got job to take blood samples 320 miles down south for analysis.
Don't do it is my advice, I have just given I up after 11 months, you can't make enough money at it. After car rent (or running costs if running your own car) radio rent and fuel you will make less than minimum wage by a long way. You need to work thurs, fri, sat, Sunday nights really and really need to work 65-70hours to make any sort of a reasonable living.
There are far too many drivers doing it nowadays. Probably was ok in the 70s and 80s and even 90s, but now everyone who got laid off decided to get a badge and give it a go, there's massive oversupply and less demand (people don't go out as much).
The only people making money in the taxi industry are the operators, councils and companies renting out vehicles.
Save some money and do your HGV/PSV and do lorry or bus driving if you want to drive for a living, neither are particularly great but at least you'll get more than minimum wage.
You haven't stated your age either, you will find it virtually Impossible to get taxi insurance if you are under 25.
There are far too many drivers doing it nowadays. Probably was ok in the 70s and 80s and even 90s, but now everyone who got laid off decided to get a badge and give it a go, there's massive oversupply and less demand (people don't go out as much).
The only people making money in the taxi industry are the operators, councils and companies renting out vehicles.
Save some money and do your HGV/PSV and do lorry or bus driving if you want to drive for a living, neither are particularly great but at least you'll get more than minimum wage.
You haven't stated your age either, you will find it virtually Impossible to get taxi insurance if you are under 25.
Somnophore said:
Don't do it is my advice, I have just given I up after 11 months, you can't make enough money at it. After car rent (or running costs if running your own car) radio rent and fuel you will make less than minimum wage by a long way. You need to work thurs, fri, sat, Sunday nights really and really need to work 65-70hours to make any sort of a reasonable living.
There are far too many drivers doing it nowadays. Probably was ok in the 70s and 80s and even 90s, but now everyone who got laid off decided to get a badge and give it a go, there's massive oversupply and less demand (people don't go out as much).
The only people making money in the taxi industry are the operators, councils and companies renting out vehicles.
Save some money and do your HGV/PSV and do lorry or bus driving if you want to drive for a living, neither are particularly great but at least you'll get more than minimum wage.
You haven't stated your age either, you will find it virtually Impossible to get taxi insurance if you are under 25.
Agree with all above.There are far too many drivers doing it nowadays. Probably was ok in the 70s and 80s and even 90s, but now everyone who got laid off decided to get a badge and give it a go, there's massive oversupply and less demand (people don't go out as much).
The only people making money in the taxi industry are the operators, councils and companies renting out vehicles.
Save some money and do your HGV/PSV and do lorry or bus driving if you want to drive for a living, neither are particularly great but at least you'll get more than minimum wage.
You haven't stated your age either, you will find it virtually Impossible to get taxi insurance if you are under 25.
Got my insurance renewal through last August for my Mondeo Tdci (42 yrs old and full no claims) over £2000.
Somnophore said:
Don't do it is my advice, I have just given I up after 11 months, you can't make enough money at it. After car rent (or running costs if running your own car) radio rent and fuel you will make less than minimum wage by a long way. You need to work thurs, fri, sat, Sunday nights really and really need to work 65-70hours to make any sort of a reasonable living.
Depends how much you want/need to earn. I do just enough hours to cover ALL my outgoings, business & personal and I only do Mon-Fri, start about 0730, finish about 1530. Although the money isn't great, what IS great is the ability to just take time off randomly whenever you feel like it! Nice sunny day, quick call to the office to TELL them you're off and that's it! 
Somnophore said:
There are far too many drivers doing it nowadays. Probably was ok in the 70s and 80s and even 90s, but now everyone who got laid off decided to get a badge and give it a go, there's massive oversupply and less demand (people don't go out as much).
The only people making money in the taxi industry are the operators, councils and companies renting out vehicles.
Definately.The only people making money in the taxi industry are the operators, councils and companies renting out vehicles.
Somnophore said:
Save some money and do your HGV/PSV and do lorry or bus driving if you want to drive for a living, neither are particularly great but at least you'll get more than minimum wage.
Money is probably better but then 1. you're not your own boss and will have to work when THEY tell you you'll be working and 2. it sure ain't driving!Somnophore said:
You haven't stated your age either, you will find it virtually Impossible to get taxi insurance if you are under 25.
Pretty much. My first policy about 4/5 years ago in my mid-thirties was £2K. One of our guys had a couple of crashes last year and was paying £4K! 
It definately isn't worth doing for that.All that said, some of the things you'll see & get involved in will make for some good stories.
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