How to Become a Taxi Cab Driver

To become a taxi cab driver in most locations requires an individual have an entrepreneurial spirit and a unique skill set in order to be able to deal with the general public on a daily basis. A taxi cab driver is usually an independent contractor that leases a taxi cab on a 12 hour, 24 hour or weekly basis from a taxi cab company, and as a result to become a taxi cab driver an individual must be strongly self-motivated to succeed. In a simple overview, a taxi cab driver is really self-employed and must generate sufficient income to cover the expenses of the cab lease, gasoline and insurance. Because of these aspects to become a taxi cab driver demands that to be successful a person must possess a strong work ethic, and approach what appears to be a simple career with a business-like demeanor.

To become a taxi cab driver usually requires that a person obtain a professional chauffeur’s license in most localities, which is little more than a formality of taking a written exam and completing the necessary paperwork to get a special designation on a drivers license. After getting the proper licensing to become a taxi cab driver, the next step is to apply at a local cab company. For those with no previous experience a taxi cab company will usually set up a ride-along for a person that is hopeful to become a taxi cab driver to accompany an experienced driver to learn how to properly operate a cab. The training process is usually very short and a person that wants to become a taxi cab driver must be a quick study to learn the subtle nuances of the commercial transportation industry.

In many locations when a person has been accepted to become a taxi cab driver they must pay their lease fees up front, in advance before being allowed to take a taxi cab out on business. This can cost between $125 to about $1,000 depending upon the terms and duration of the lease. This expense is primarily why many people desiring to become a taxi cab driver fail, as there are sometimes unable to recoup the initial financial output due to a lack of experience. For those that are able to experience even minor success as a taxi cab driver at first, things tend to get better and the job more lucrative with time and a knowledge of the hot spots for high volume and well-paying fares.

To become a taxi cab driver is relatively simple – to profit as a taxi cab driver can be tough but definitely has an upside in addition to earnings. Most taxi cab drivers that take a cab on a lease also use the vehicle in their downtime as a personal vehicle and save wear and tear on their own cars or eliminate the need for personal transportation completely.