How to Become a Taxi Driver
How to Become a Taxi Driver in England and USA
Do you like driving, communicating with people and can sit for hours in a vehicle? If the answer is yes, maybe you can choose a taxi driver as your career. In this article the author will describe about how to become a taxi driver both in England and USA.
A Taxi Driver
Being a taxi driver is not an easy job, but for some people this job is a challenging job. Delivering passengers to their destination and getting paid according to fares is day-to-day activities of a taxi driver. Here are guidelines on how to become a taxi driver in England and USA:
Type of Taxi’s License
In England, there are two types of taxi driver’s license i.e. Hackney Carriage and Private Hire. Each license type has different requirements, but the difference is not too significant. Hackney Carriage is the common taxis kind, carrying passengers on the street or in crowded places, in London, this kind of taxi is known as the black cab.
While Private Hire is the kind of taxi that can only be booked via telephone or Internet. This type of taxi cannot operate on public streets. In the US, the taxi driver license is not classified and it is more simple and perhaps a combination of both.
Minimum Age and Driving License
Minimum age to become a taxi driver is 21 years old. However, in USA that regulation could vary from the age of 21 years to 25 years old, depending on the regulation of each state. To become a taxi driver, of course you must have a driving license for one year or more. Generally, taxi companies prefer a more experienced driver.
The Taxi Driver Knowledge Test
The main thing you should note is your criminal and driving record must be clean and you also must carry out medical tests. In England, to become a taxi driver, you must undergo the series of interviews and a formal study for 1 to 2 years before you qualify as a taxi driver.
While in the US, the formal study is not a reference and it is much simpler. Requirements for becoming a taxi driver focus on learning the route, trials and the process will be shorter. Thus, the preparation you should do is to know your city geographically, the cheapest and shortest route and also you have to understand the traffic signs.
The Job
Most of taxi drivers in England are self-employed and have their own vehicle. But, this means they are responsible for all operational costs like fuel, maintenance and taxes. However, becoming independent taxi drivers is more profitable than working for a taxi company.
In the US, becoming independent taxi drivers is more difficult, because you must obtain permission from local governments and also you have to operate under the flag of a taxi company located in your city / town. To become a taxi driver you must be agile, able to work 12 hours a day and have good stamina. But also you have to consider fuel efficiency, situations and conditions.
Safety
Wherever you are, the security of a taxi driver is the most serious thing. Even in the US, several sources of statistical data showed that being a taxi driver is one of the most dangerous jobs in the US. But this can also be balanced with good security measures, such as sophisticated equipment in the cab i.e. GPS and panic button.
If you press the panic button, then it will be a warning for other taxis in the certain radius that will help you if you’re in trouble wherever you are until the police arrive. But the most important thing is to always use your intuition and always be alert in every situation and condition.
The main key to become a taxi driver is a physical endurance, patience and spirit in order to make you do not feel bored to sit all day long in a vehicle. Hopefully, the guidance on how to become a taxi driver will be useful and be a successful taxi driver.
Other post you may be interested in reading: How to Play Texas Hold’em and How to Grow Tomatoes
Uncategorized | | July 28, 2010
I want to thank you for your efforts you have made in making this blog post. I am hoping the same great work from you in the future too. In fact your creative writing abilities has helped me to start my own blog. Really blogging is spreading its wings quick. Your blog post is a fine example of it.