How to Be a Private Taxi Driver
To operate a private taxi business, you need to possess excellent driving skills and good customer service abilities and to be ready to work on a flexible schedule. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that approximately 232,300 jobs belonged to taxi drivers and chauffeurs as of 2008; of this number, 26 percent were self-employed. In order to operate your own private taxi business, you need to satisfy both your state and local regulations for operating a private taxi.
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Instructions
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Obtain the vehicle that you will use as your taxi; you can buy a new vehicle or convert your own vehicle into a taxi. Apply for car insurance from a credible insurance company in order to secure your car in case of any accidents.
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Attend a driving school and obtain the training required of a taxi driver, which includes skills in reading of maps, knowledge of the regulations governing private taxi drivers, and proper customer care.
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Visit the taxi commission in charge of licensing taxi businesses in your locality to obtain information on the requirements you need to fulfill in order to obtain a private taxi license. For example, private taxi drivers in the State of New York need to be at least 19 years old, in good physical condition and possess the ability to read and write.
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Apply for a private taxi license and a business permit for operating a private taxi from the commission after presenting all the relevant documents, such as your photo identification and your Social Security number. Present documented evidence of training in a credible driving school and your taxi driver or chauffer license to prove you have the required training to operate a private taxi.
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Attend the training provided by the commission and sit for the given examination to determine whether you qualify for a private license.
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Obtain your license and medallion from the commission: a medallion shows your local commission has legally approved your taxi for business. A medallion is a mandatory requirement in some states, such as New York, and, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, passengers show preferences for taxis that have medallions. Check the laws governing your jurisdiction to determine whether you need a medallion.
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Set down the prices that you will use for business according to the rates set by your local commission and select the route which you will operate your taxi.
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Purchase a taximeter together with the rate card that you obtain from the local commission to calculate the fare rates for your passengers.
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Display your taxi license in clear view of your passengers as proof of your certification to operate the taxi.
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Tips & Warnings
The required training and classification of license differs within different localities, so you need to check with the taxicab commission in your city or locality to determine the requirements of your region.
It is useful for you to possess knowledge on the basic repairs and maintenance requirements which are done on vehicles in order to be able to operate an efficient business and save on some expenses.
