Is it worth becoming a taxi driver UK?


Is it worth becoming a taxi driver UK? According to the National Careers Service, an experienced taxi driver working around 40 hours a week might expect to make around £30,000 per year. As a one-person business, it's largely down to you. If you're prepared to put in the hours and work at anti-social times, your profits could soar.


Is it hard to be a taxi driver in London?

In order to become a licensed London taxi driver, you must pass the difficult and gruelling Knowledge test, of which there is a 70% drop out rate and for which there are no study materials. In order to apply for the Knowledge, you must be: At least 18 years old (you cannot receive your license until you are 21)


How hard is the London taxi exam?

The Knowledge of London test is renowned around the world for being one of, if not the, hardest taxi knowledge test in existence. Often referred to as simply, 'The Knowledge' aspiring London cabbies can expect to spend around 3-4 years of study before being able to pass the test.


How many streets do London taxi drivers have to memorize?

And a cab driver in London is required to know the quickest way off by heart. That is because they know the center of the British capital; they'll have committed 320 runs across 25,000 streets, encompassing at least 20,000 landmarks, to memory.


Is taxi driving profitable UK?

Do Make Money as a Taxi Driver in the UK a Good Living? On average, taxi drivers in the United Kingdom earn between £20,000 and £30,000 per year. On average, taxi drivers in the United Kingdom earn between £9 and £15 per hour. However, the rate may increase on certain days, such as bank holidays and Saturday evenings.


What qualifications do I need to be a taxi driver UK?

You'll need to:
  • complete a driving skills assessment.
  • have a full UK or EU driving licence, held for at least 12 months, or 3 years if working in London.
  • pass background checks.
  • pass a medical check.
  • be over 18 but over 21 in some areas, including London.


Is a taxi driver a good career UK?

Taxi driving is flexible and can include working evenings, overnight and bank holidays on a shift basis. This type of work has a positive job outlook, especially in big cities like London, Birmingham and Manchester where the demand for taxis is usually higher and fares are also higher.


How long does it take to become a Taxi Driver UK?

To become a taxi driver, it usually takes between 12 and 16 weeks if you apply directly to your local authority. If you decide to take a college course before applying for your taxi driver's licence, you're usually looking at a couple of days to complete a Level 2 NVQ.


Is taxi driver stressful?

As a taxi driver you'll spend many hours of your day sitting behind the wheel, and this can cause a lot of stress on your body. Regular physical activity helps reduce the effects of stress by: Encouraging the release of 'feel good' endorphins.


What are the disadvantages of being a taxi driver?

Research has shown that taxi drivers are at risk for numerous health concerns, such as low back and leg pain, linked to their highly sedentary occupation, long work hours and stressors related to the job (e.g. low income, safety threats).


Is Uber profitable in UK?

Uber booked £3.4 billion in revenue from the UK segment of its business last year, it has been revealed. According to its most recent companies' house filing, Uber made £2.6 billion in sales revenues from its taxi business, whilst its fast-growing food delivery platform, Uber Eats, brought in £700 million.


Can a foreigner be an Uber driver in UK?

Check whether you meet the Uber requirements You're at least 21 years old. You hold a valid UK driver's licence. If you have an EU driver's licence, you'll need to convert it to a UK driver's licence before onboarding. You have an approved private hire licence from your local council.


Is Uber successful in UK?

Uber reveals UK revenue of $983 million as business model change follows court ruling. T he importance of Uber's battle for a place in London's competitive taxi and private hire market was highlighted as the US company reported the first positive quarterly cashflow in its history on Tuesday.


Do you still tip taxi drivers UK?

There is no such hard rule to tip a Cab Drivers in UK. However, tipping is mandatory in some countries, including America, Mexico and Canada. British people expect to tip less than people in other countries.


Why do taxi drivers prefer cash UK?

It's easier to handle and manage cash compared to other modes of payment. Cash payments are immediate and there is no need to wait for the payment to be processed. Some taxi drivers may prefer cash payments to avoid paying fees associated with card payments.


How many hours can a taxi driver work in one day UK?

Daily duty limit You must not be on duty for more than 11 hours in any working day. This limit does not apply on any working day when you do not drive. You must record your hours on a weekly record sheet or on a tachograph. Some vehicles are exempt from the duty limit.