How to Get a Taxi Driver Job

Earn a living as a taxi cab driver.

If you enjoy driving and you are comfortable with sitting for long periods then a job as a taxi driver is viable. Taxi drivers maintain a flexible schedule and can earn considerable amounts of money in fares and tips in a short amount of time. You must be at least 21 years of age, fluent in English, in good health and a legal resident to become a taxi driver in the United States. Candidates cannot have felony convictions, recent accidents, moving violations or outstanding judgments, such as unpaid tickets. State agencies, such as taxi commissions, regulate taxi cab drivers and taxi cab companies

Instructions

1. Complete a high school education. This is not a requirement, but a knowledge of various subjects will help you perform the basic functions of the job, such as calculating the passenger’s fare.

2. Pass a driving test and obtain a driver’s license in your state. You must have a driving record that shows that you are a responsible driver. Some states also require taxi drivers to have a chauffeur’s license.

3. Learn how to get to destinations in your area. Locate the shortcuts to these destinations and practice using them to bypass traffic and arrive at the destinations in a short amount of time. Learn to read a map also so you can quickly locate unfamiliar destinations.

4. Apply for a position with a taxi cab company. If you do not wish to become an employee of a cab company, you may apply to rent a car from a taxi fleet service. You may also choose to work for yourself and avoid the expense of a lease by driving your own car. If you choose to rent a taxi cab, expect to spend a portion of each day’s work schedule earning the money to pay for the lease. If you use your own car, you are responsible for contracting with a dispatch service that will provide customers, securing insurance and maintaining the car so it remains in good working condition.

5. Obtain a taxi driver’s license from your local taxi commission. This license is usually referred to as a “hack” license. Requirements for the license vary by state. In some states, you must take a defensive driving program, complete a taxi training course and pass a physical exam, among other requirements.

References

• San Francisco Municipal Transport Agency: How to become a San Francisco Taxi Driver
• New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission: Driver's New Application Checklist Requirements
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Taxi Drivers and Chauffeurs