How to Become a Taxi Driver in the UK?

Taxi drivers provide local transportation in towns, villages and cities. In this modern world of technology, flexible hours are becoming increasingly popular. In taxi driving flexibility pop up as the most beneficiary element. In this job, they have to work the hours mostly when they want. A career behind the wheel is also profitable because cabs, taxis, and private hire cars are strategically in urge.

However, you have chosen to rise your career development as a taxi driver, the question is how to become one. We provide a guideline from the initial stage to the final and utmost stage. Before considering your job as a taxi driver, there are several things you must know about:

Get a Taxi Driving License Legally

In the UK you need to acquire a driving license before driving a taxi. In London, legal authorities required three years of experience to accept you as a taxi driver. However, you have to get a taxi driving license in order to become a taxi driver.

A driving license is a special type of certificate which you can obtain from Transport for London or if you are outside of the capital, you can acquire it via the local council unit of licensing of your area. Once you have a taxi driving license, you are eligible to work with any taxi company.

You Must be 21 Years Old To Drive A Taxi

When you are applying for a taxi driver’s license you must be at least 18 years old. This is the minimum age criteria for applying for getting vehicle license. However, you cannot get a driving license until you are 21 years old. There is no upper age limit for applying and registering with legal authorities.

Validity of License

When you get your license and plan to work outside the capital, you have a slight chance to obtain a taxi driving license for a maximum of three years. However, in the UK vehicle licenses are valid for twelve months. One should renew the license annually.

Getting Insurance is Essential

If you are working as a taxi driver or a private licensed driver, you need to get insurance. It is necessary to fulfill all the road obligations to drive a car, in order to protect you, your vehicle and your passengers. There are some taxi insurer companies in the market, who will help you to get an insurance policy and can work out your payment as required.

Taxi Driver Needs to be Skillful

As a taxi driver, you need to have some better communication skills. You will meet different kinds of people from all walks of life. You never know who is going to be your next customer or who is going to spark a conversation with you.

You must be prepared for all sorts of communication. Good impersonal skills and customer services are vital for this job. In order to get a positive response, The National Career Service issued some points as mentioned below:

Excellent customer service skills are required.
Effective Verbal communication skills.
Good Listening skills.
The ability to teamwork.
To be calm in stressful situations.
Command on navigational skills.
Work well under pressure.
Tendency to accept criticism.
Knowledge of public safety and security.
Have the knowledge of computers, basic maths, and handheld devices.
Ability to pay attention to others and work with concentration.
Punctual at work.

Get a Job with a Taxi Company

Once you have your taxi driving license, you need to search for a job with a taxi company as a taxi driver. In the UK, there are many quality taxi services firms, but Speedwell Taxi may be a better choice for you. To obtain a job with a taxi company, you must meet the following requirements:

You must have right to live, and permit to work in the UK.
Excellent driving skills.
Medical fit for driving a cab.
Must check Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
An understanding of roads and areas is important.
Having a command of the English language.

It is best to become a dedicated taxi driver in order to get extra tips from passengers. In any case, if you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us.