How to Become an Independent Taxi/Cab Owner/Driver

If you are looking for a new career you might want to consider becoming a taxi or cab driver. But first you should think about the following: do you like to drive and weather conditions doesn’t bother you that much, do you like people, can you sit for hours in a car, do you have a clean driving record? If you answered yes to these questions than you might just be able to become a taxi or cab driver. The easiest way to become a cab or taxi driver is to apply for a job with a current company or service. Yet, you won’t make as much as you would if you decide to become a self employed (independent contractor) taxi/cab driver.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Possibly a Chauffeur's License
• A taxi cab
• Money to lease the cab or taxi
• A flashlight for emergencies
• A cell phone
• Maps of the area
• A warm blanket (in case of a breakdown)
• Flares
• A first aid kit

1. See if there is a regulation on age. Some cities will only accept established drivers (over the age of 25). You should also be aware of the fact that some cities will also not allow people who owe back child support to become taxi or cab drivers.

2. Once you have the qualifications, begin looking for a car. The best and easiest way to do this is by leasing the cab. You can lease cabs from bigger cab services. Most of these leases will also include all the insurances that you will need, also. The biggest companies that offer leasing services are: Green Cabs, Inc, Yellow Cabs and Acme Taxi. But, you will probably be paying the cab company on average about $400 a week for the use of their car.

3. Be ready for some long hours. If you are paying $400 a week just for your lease and insurance (plus you know you have to factor in gas), you better plan on a lot of hours behind that wheel. Most independent cab/taxi owners and drivers work on average 12 hours a day.

4. Spread the word. You need people to know that you are open for business. This means handing out and putting up flyers, handing out business cards and telling everyone you know that you are open for business. The more business you have the more money you will make.

5. Dress nicely. You will be working with the public. Your appearance will matter. Go to work each day clean and well groomed. Take pride in how you look. This will help your business.

6. Make sure you have the items you need with you: a flashlight for emergencies, cell phone, maps of the area, a warm blanket (in case of a breakdown), flares, and a first aid kit

7. Keep daily records of your runs and your expenses. You will need these for your taxes.

Tips & Warnings

• Be prepared for long hours of driving/work if you choose to become an independent taxi/cab driver/owner.

[spaceinvader79]

on 3/11/2009 For anyone in the UK there is a very relevant guide at www.becomeataxidriver.org.uk

[flor2729]

on 10/4/2008 Great idea on making extra money.

[Desula]

on 9/30/2008 Thanks for the idea on becoming an independent cab or taxi driver for extra money.

[duncan411]

on 9/30/2008 Great article, you can make a lot of money in certain towns.

[luv2blog]

on 9/30/2008 In big and foreign cities, I rely heavily on taxi drivers but couldn't possibly do their job. My constituents would always be lost. Even with GPS, I get lost. (lol)
Good article.