How to Become a Taxi Driver in the State of Mississippi

Meeting Mississippi's requirements for a Class D license — a must for taxi drivers in the state — is often the simplest part of becoming a taxi driver in the state. The toughest part might be finding a job. As of 2010, there were 940 people working in Mississippi as taxi drivers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Some of the less populated areas of the state have no taxi services, making finding a job in these areas impossible unless you want to commute. The mean annual wage for drivers in the state was $20,050 in 2010, according to the BLS.

Instructions

1. Receive your high school diploma or pass the general equivalency diploma (GED) exam. While you do not have to have your diploma to gain employment as a taxi driver, it can make you a more attractive job candidate. This is important when seeking work in areas of the state without many driving jobs.

2. Meet the age requirements for obtaining a Class D license. You must be at least 17 to receive a commercial driver's license in Mississippi. This includes a Class D license.

3. Download the Mississippi Driver's License Manual from the Department of Public Safety's website. Study the regulations for a Class D license.

4. Download a license application from the Department of Public Safety's website. Place a check beside "Class D Comm. Lic." at the top and complete the application.

5. Return your application to your local Department of Public Safety office. Pass the computer exam with a score of at least 80 percent. Pass the eye examination given by the department and pay for your license.

6. Ask a licensed driver to accompany you to the department to take your road test if you do not already have your regular driver's license. Pass your road test with a score of at least 80 percent.

7. Search your local newspaper and online job sites to find taxi companies seeking drivers. Apply for jobs to receive offers of employment.

Tips & Warnings

• If you already hold a regular driver's license, you do not have to take a road test to receive your Class D license.

• You need a Mississippi Class C license if you intend on driving a vehicle with more than 16 people in it.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Geographic Profile for This Occupation
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Mississippi Transp;ortation and Material Moving Occupations
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Taxi Drivers and Chauffeurs, Training, Other Qualifications and Advancement
• DMV.org: Which CDL Class?

Resources

• Mississippi Department of Public Safety; Driver License Manual; March 2011
• Mississippi Department of Public Safety: Driver Application
• DMV.org: DMV Office Finder