When you talk about becoming a taxi driver in the UK, you should be aware of the types of drivers that can be found in the royal roads of the UK. It is a bit tricky to drive for a living the mighty UK as you need to follow a protocol to become one.
The big question arises; how to become a taxi driver in UK?
To understand that, you need to know the types of carriages – one is hackney carriages, and the other ones are the private hire taxis.
How are they different from each other?
The main difference between these two are; the hackney carriages can be found on streets and can wait, but the private hire taxis need to be booked in advance. Hackney carriages are also known as black cabs. The driver can work under a company or can be self-employed. They can also choose whatever they want to, but one thing is evident that taxis are an essential part of the cities in the UK.
Do cab drivers earn well?
When you are driving for money, you need to know how much do cab drivers make. A cab driver in UK can make approximately £421 per week, which can make £1894.5 per month. This is amazing, RIGHT?! The salary is variable; it just depends on how many rides a person take in a month. The more consistent the person will be the more money they can make.
Do you need a special license to become a taxi driver in UK?
The answer is yes. When a person wants to become a taxi driver in UK, they have to pass a few tests and needs a special driving license. It is essential to clear the test and then you will get a permit. There are two processes through which one can get into this field. You may be able to do a college course, which could give you an advantage when looking for work. Sessions include:
- Level 2 Certificate in Road Passenger Vehicle Driving – Taxi and Private Hire
- Level 2 Certificate in Introduction to the Role of the Professional Taxi and Private Hire Driver
- For chauffeurs, a badge is mandatory
The requirements for the passing the test are that, you’ll need two or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course.
You can apply directly to become a taxi driver if you’ve got a taxi driver’s license. This is the most common way into this job. You’ll need to meet registration and licensing requirements before you can start work. Most taxi companies will expect you to use your registered vehicle.
What you need to become a taxi driver ?
The question that comes in mind after all the process is what you need to become a taxi driver. The most important thing after a driving license that the person who is thinking to become a taxi driver needs is a registered car. One cannot become a taxi driver if you don’t have a car. Secondly, you need some skills to become a good driver, like excellent communication skills, you need to be a good listener, patience. You should know how to keep calm in a stressful situation and should be attentive too.
Resources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taxicabs_of_the_United_Kingdom
