How to Become an NVQ Training Provider for Taxi Drivers

Train other taxi drivers

Becoming a national vocational qualification (NVQ) training provider is a start-up business from which you can quickly realize a profit Even though it may initially need more investment that other business start-ups, this is a business that can always be in demand. Training taxi drivers is a flexible business that can be in a rural or city setting as more people need taxi services.

Things You'll Need

• Demo taxi
• Marketing materials
• Business license

Instructions

Become A Training Provider

1. 

   Have a solid business plan before opening your business.

   When becoming a NVQ training provider, write a detailed business plan that includes all the capital and costs to begin this start-up. This business plan can include sources of capital such as receiving money from a friend or through bank financing. Your business plan should also include charges for clients while training drivers outside of the classroom. The charges will depend on distances driven. It is easy for you as a new NVQ training provider to forget to add the actual costs of gasoline during training.

2. 

   Taxi service can be in high demand.

   As an NVQ training provider to taxi operators you will need a demo or training taxi. As most taxis are outfitted with a meter and other outside markings, you will need to decide if you would like to use your regular car to provide training and convert it into a taxi. Using a regular car is possible if you are the only person using the car. However, a busy family of four might need a second car to be purchased as a taxi for training purposes. In some instances your taxicab will need a special license plate and you may need a special license to drive the taxi as a commercial vehicle. A small business license is also needed. Set aside money for the general upkeep of the taxicabs used in training. For example, if the taxis need a weekly cleaning from a car wash.

3. 

   Cell phone use is frequently prohibited while driving.

   The NVQ training provider will also need to decide if they will use their home telephone number or set up a special business number. As a small business owner in the taxi industry, the provider can receive calls at all times of the day. It is a good idea for you to get a separate landline or a cellular mobile. Another recommendation would be to eventually hire someone to answer questions and process calls. This will be necessary as you will be busy during the day and some cities forbid drivers talking on their cellular phones while driving, for example, New York state.

4. 

   Marketing helps a NVQ business grow.

   A NVQ training provider would need to market his services. One way of marketing is by telling friends and family to spread the word about your new business. Another option would be to become listed in the telephone directory if your city or town has one. Some training providers print business cards and leave them in public areas such as bars, restaurants or theaters. Flyers can also be printed and placed around shopping malls and grocery stores.

Tips & Warnings

• It is a good idea to apply for a business license well ahead of time to avoid a delay in providing your services.

References

• Taxi Register: Taxi driver job description. 2010
• Leicester College: New NVQ for taxi drivers. 2010