What is it like to be a Taxi Driver?


What is it like to be a Taxi Driver? It's up to you to keep the vehicle fuelled and tidy, find the best way to the destination and make the most of the journey. But there's no supervisor sitting with you all day, so really it's down to you how you approach the job and aim to get the most out of it for you and your family.


Why are taxi drivers obsolete?

With recent innovations in technology and ride-sharing, the demise of taxi driving is inevitable because ride-sharing receives major support and will not fail unless Uber or Lyft themselves find a way to limit driving services.


Can anyone be a taxi driver in UK?

Legal documentation — To get started as a taxi driver, you'll need to be able to work legally in the UK and will need to have held a full GB, NI or EU driving licence for at least 12 months. You will also require a criminal background check, also known as a DBS certificate.


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.


What qualities make a good taxi driver?

Skills and qualities
  • to be a confident driver who is able to drive well in any road and weather conditions.
  • a helpful, trustworthy and patient manner.
  • some number skills, as you'll be dealing with cash a lot.
  • to be able to deal with all types of people including the occasional awkward or difficult customer.


Are taxi drivers in demand?

Yes, taxi cab driver jobs are in demand. Taxi cab driver demand is projected to grow 20% from 2018 to 2028.


Why do taxi drivers talk so much?

They keep doing the same thing, lighting indicators, changing gears for hours at a stretch. And driving is potentially a very exciting job, meeting new people every hour. It is no surprise that taxi drivers become excellent analysts after years of observation. They just want to talk to break the monotony.


Is it hard to become a taxi driver in the UK?

You need to able to work legally in the UK. You need to have held a full GB, NI or EU driving licence for at least 12 months. You need to be willing to have your background checked, which may include an enhanced criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)


Is there a shortage of taxi drivers?

The taxi industry has been navigating a significant challenge in recent years – a shortage of drivers. This shortage has been exacerbated by various factors, including the rise of ridesharing services, changes in driver demographics, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.


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).


Can you make a living as a taxi driver?

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for taxi drivers and chauffeurs in the US is $30,050. This works out at around $14.50 an hour. Taxi drivers earn much lower than the average salary in the US.


What is the average age of a taxi driver?

There are over 43,904 taxi cab drivers currently employed in the United States. 23.6% of all taxi cab drivers are women, while 76.4% are men. The average taxi cab driver age is 47 years old.


Why do taxi drivers not like Uber?

Taxi drivers typically site that the ridesharing services are not as safe and don't have the same types of standards and insurance that taxi drivers must carry. They often argue that these apps get around the taxi laws by offering technology that blurs the line between traditional taxi services and ridesharing apps.


What annoys Uber drivers?

Avoid these behaviors to ensure a smooth ride for both you and your driver.
  • You don't give a five-star rating, even though your ride was perfectly fine. ...
  • You don't tip. ...
  • You keep them waiting after they arrive to pick you up. ...
  • You cancel at the last minute. ...
  • You put your music on way too loud.


What are the rules for taxi drivers in the UK?

Restrictions and Requirements
  • 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.


Do taxi drivers like long journeys?

All drivers I have known prefer longer rides. Many taxi drivers often have a daily target to achieve after which they'll just hang their gloves and call it quits for the day.


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.


Are Uber drivers happy?

Driver Satisfaction With Uber Of the 863 drivers who indicated they primarily drive for Uber, 49.4% agreed with the statement that they are 'satisfied with their Uber driving experience', while just 36.2% disagreed with that statement.