How to become a taxi driver

Fancy working as a taxi driver, but don’t know where to start? We’ll guide you through the process of becoming a cabbie.

 

There are hundreds of thousands of taxi drivers operating throughout the UK today, and they all needed to start somewhere. If you’re wondering what you need to become a taxi driver and how to go about becoming a successful one then you’ve come to the right place.

 

From what type of licences you need to what does taxi insurance cover, this article contains lots of important information you really need to know. As well as this guide, if you want to get started immediately then be sure to read our 18 actionable steps to become a UK taxi driver right now.

 

Just like finding the right taxi insurance cover, there’s no better place to begin your journey than here at Taxi Insurer. From your very first vehicle to a whole fleet, when it comes to taxi insurance, we do the leg work so you don’t have to.

Get the right type of licence for yourself

 

Fortunately for those starting out on a career as a taxi driver or a private hire vehicle (PHV) driver it’s a very accessible business to get into. Perhaps the first question any wannabe driver will need to ask is what kind of licence do I need to become a taxi driver?

Being a taxi driver outside London

 

Outside of London, driving licences for taxis and PHVs are dealt with by your local council. To find out the licensing authority for your area, simply enter your postcode into this handy online checker.

 

Each council will have slightly different procedures for applying for a licence and different fees to be paid. So, approach your council directly to find out what exactly you need to do.

 

To be eligible for a licence you will need to prove that:

• You have a legal right to live and work in the UK.
• Have held a full valid UK driving licence (or a full EU driving licence) issued to your current address and held for at least 12 months.
• You understood the relevant local council’s taxi licensing policies.

In view of the position of trust that a professional driver holds, you will also need to be considered a ‘fit and proper person’. So, you are under a duty to report to the council details of any convictions, cautions, charges or summonses you have been subject to.

 

There is also a duty to report any medical fitness issues that could impact on public safety and protection. If the council is not satisfied that you are a fit and proper person then they will not grant you a licence.

• Agree to an enhanced criminal records check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). What is a DBS check for taxi drivers? Read this informative article to find out.
• Undergo and pay for a medical examination. This could include a vision eyesight test, blood pressure test and a medical questionnaire.
• Pass a ‘knowledge’ test to check you know the roads and routes around the local area.
• Take a taxi driving test. Depending on where you intend to work you might need to pass a practical as well as a theory test.
• A language test or further tests on customer service, road safety and the role of the professional taxi or PHV driver.

Being a taxi driver inside London

For taxi and PHV drivers looking to work in London, the licensing authority is Transport for London. The application processes for taxi and PHV drivers are online and are designed to be completed quickly and easily.

Get your taxi or PHV licensed

If you want to stay profitable as a taxi or PHV driver, it’s important to choose the right type of vehicle for your business. And get it licensed by the appropriate licensing authorities.

Taxi licencing outside London

All vehicles must have no more than 8 passenger seats and will need to be inspected and licenced by your local council.

• Cleanliness and customer comfort.
• Any installed taximeter is working correctly.
• Safety and security of all doors.

Taxi licencing inside London

All vehicles must be inspected by TfL and meet certain standards.

• Be able to carry no more than 8 passengers.
• Not look like a licenced hackney carriage.
• Display licence discs.

Decide if you’ll be employed or self-employed

Once you and your vehicle are licensed, you’ll want to start earning as soon as possible.

Working for a taxi company can be a good idea when you’re just starting out as technical issues such as tax and insurance are taken care of.

Follow these 16 top tips for taxi business success

1. Know your area so you’re always able to pick the best route.
2. Turn up on time and if you’re running late, call ahead.
3. Driving safely and ensuring customer comfort has to be a top priority.
4. Be professional and polite at all times.
5. Always expect the unexpected from other road users.
6. Take pride in everything you do.
7. Pay attention to customers' individual needs.
8. Look after your passengers not only when they are in the cab.
9. Attract customers by offering a better service.
10. Take the time to market your business effectively.
11. Make sure to take breaks and days off.
12. Take care of your physical and mental health.
13. Keep your vehicle well maintained.
14. Install CCTV and a dash cam.
15. What does taxi insurance cover?
16. What are the rights of a passenger in a taxi?

What does taxi insurance cover?

One of the most important questions to ask as a new taxi driver is ‘what does taxi insurance cover?’

• Breakdown cover.
• Accident recovery and repairs.
• Legal protection.
• Public liability cover.
• Windscreen cover.

Get specialist insurance for your taxi or PHV today

With access to an industry panel of leading UK insurers, benefits of taxi insurance cover arranged through us may include:

• Protected No Claims Bonus available
• Cover for Minibus, MPVs and Car
• Cover for private and public hire
• 24-hour claims management service
• Pay in instalments