How to be a good taxi driver
To be a good taxi driver, you must have the appropriate credentials, valid insurance, excellent driving skills, geographical knowledge, interpersonal skills, and good time management.
In the world of online reviews and ratings, a cab driver’s livelihood should not be at risk due to poor driving, bad behaviour, inefficient navigation, or substandard time management.
This is your go-to guide on how to be a good taxi driver in the UK. We’ll cover everything from basic requirements to dealing with work stressors and more.
Step #1: Have the appropriate credentials and documentation
Licensed UK taxi drivers and private hire drivers must have the following:
- A valid taxi operator licence relevant to the type of driving you are doing (public service vehicle operator licence or private hire operating licence).
- They must pass a medical and visual test
- They must pass a test of “The Knowledge” (only applicable to London taxi drivers)
- Valid training course certificates, such as the Safeguarding for Taxi Drivers course (not required but recommended)
- Passed criminal record check: Disclosure and Barring Service(DBS) in England and Wales; Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme in Scotland; AccessNI in Northern Ireland
- Passed assessments (Topographical Skills; Safety, Equality and Regulatory Understanding)
- Proof of ability to communicate and understand English (basic level)
- Private hire vehicles must meet the Euro 6 emissions standard
- Taxi insurance or private hire insurance
Bonus reads:
- How to renew an expired driving licence in the UK
- [How to get a PCO licence]
Looking for cheap taxi insurance? Get your quote today!
Get QuotesStep #2: Adhere to the rules and regulations of the road
Taxi drivers must be especially cautious as they are carrying passengers and need to be mindful of other drivers.
Passing your written and practical tests means nothing if that knowledge is not carried out during your daily commutes.
It is worth noting that taxi drivers do not have to adhere to the same traffic laws as other road users. For instance, it is not a legal requirement for public hire taxi drivers to wear a seatbelt when carrying passengers from A to B, but they must wear one when the vehicle is empty.
Bonus reads:
Step #3: Have good driving skills
When it comes to cab driving, it is possible to follow all the traffic laws and still be a bad driver. Here’s our advice:
- Avoid congested areas whenever possible.
- Drive in a way that does not make your passengers feel unsafe or car-sick.
- Have patience with other road users.
- Avoid dangerous routes under construction or those with unnecessary twists and turns.
- Opt for telematics insurance, whereby black boxes monitor how you drive.
Bonus reads:
- Safety tips for taxi drivers
- [How to be a 5-star Uber driver].
Step #4: Brush up on your geography
To navigate roads confidently, a certain amount of familiarity is required. For example, your geographical knowledge allows you to choose the most efficient routes for fuel savings.
Additionally, you can point out landmarks to tourists and provide tips on restaurants and other attractions along the way, adding to the overall customer experience.
Step #5: Manage your time properly
Apart from meeting the deadline for pre-booked rides, cab drivers must be mindful of peak traffic hours while transporting clients. While congested traffic can be unavoidable, communicate expected delays and ETAs openly with your customers to ensure their peace of mind.
However, if you are looking to increase profits, driving during especially busy periods can be lucrative. Many cab drivers meet their quotas by driving during peak hours and spend fewer hours working for the same amount of money.
Step #6: Stay up-to-date with vehicle maintenance
It is important to keep your car in good working condition for the safety of everyone onboard. Be sure to keep up with any maintenance and have serious problems dealt with promptly by a professional. Ensuring that your vehicle is up to date with services is also required for your insurance.
It is also crucial for taxi drivers to check the MOT status of their vehicles. Cars over three years old (four years in Northern Ireland) require annual testing to ensure compliance with environmental and road safety requirements.
Having vehicle knowledge enables drivers to fix any minor issues without compromising the vehicle’s integrity.
Step #7: Concentrate on customer service
Going the extra mile for your passengers makes a huge difference. It’s important to make your passengers feel safe and welcome if you run a cab business.
As a driver, you should always “read the room”. Learn to discern when a passenger would prefer to sit in silence for the duration of the trip, or if they want to engage in conversation.
Quick tips to make your customer service stand out
- Ask if your passenger has a radio channel preference.
- Keep your car clean and pleasant-smelling.
- Ensure that you are clean and neatly dressed.
- Help passengers load and unload their luggage if required.
- Offer child car seats if families are your go-to clientele.
- Have good, basic maths skills to increase your efficiency when determining how much change a passenger needs.
- Remain polite, avoid using vulgar language and say please and thank you.
Bonus read: How to make conversations with passengers
Step #8: Understand the challenges associated with taxi driving
Understanding taxi driving challenges will better equip you to handle these situations and find solutions that ensure your business is not affected. For instance, if you have had a long day sitting in traffic, park somewhere quiet to refocus.
If a customer has been particularly rude, try not to take it personally. And if you are fatigued, don’t put yourself at risk by driving. It’s important to know your limitations and get enough rest between shifts. Familiarise yourself with the Driver’s Hours for GB and Rules on Drivers’ Hours and Tachographs – Passenger Vehicles in Northern Ireland.
Many people are attracted to taxi driving as you can be your own boss and run your own business. However, this position comes with a lot of responsibility.
Common challenges include:
- Long hours
- Stress
- Unruly or problematic passengers
- Competition with other taxi services
- Car accidents and legal disputes with third parties
Additionally, taxi insurance provides drivers with peace of mind in worst-case scenarios.
Bonus read: Taxi driver problems
Final thoughts
As you can see, taxi driving is a challenging but rewarding job.
By improving certain skills, you can create a harmonious work environment for yourself and your passengers. Furthermore, your passengers will be guaranteed satisfaction during their trip. The effort you put into your taxi business will show itself in the form of tips, gratitude, reputation, and ratings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, all licensed taxi drivers are legally required to have taxi insurance. If you are a private hire taxi driver, you will need specialised insurance similar to that of an Uber driver.
If you want to become a successful taxi driver, you can complete an NVQ Certificate in Road Passenger Vehicle Driving (Taxi and Private Hire) (RQF) diploma.
To ensure your safety as a taxi driver:
- Limit passenger access to the front of the vehicle. This is easier if you have a saloon car.
- Carry a fully stocked first-aid kit.
- Try to keep your cash carry to a minimum and out of sight.
- Don’t drive when you are tired.
- Invest in good taxi insurance and use Simply Quote to compare insurance quotes.