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Whether you are looking for a different type of work or want a way to make some additional money alongside working full-time, becoming a taxi driver might be ideal for you. Many taxi drivers are able to be their own boss and set their own working hours, which can be ideal for anybody who wants a side hustle or a more flexible working life.
If you have a suitable car and a clean driving license, you may want to consider starting out as a taxi driver. Taxis are needed every day, and if you live close to a town or city centre, then you could make some serious income. However, before you start taking fares, this is what you will need to get started as a taxi driver.
How Much Do Taxi Drivers Make?
How much money you will be able to make as a taxi driver is likely to be one of the first questions you have. Whether you are employed or self-employed, the firm that you work for, and how many hours you work will all impact your salary. On average, full-time taxi drivers who work forty hours per week can earn around £30k per year.
Finding Work
The first thing to consider is how you are going to get set up as a taxi driver. These days, driving for companies like Uber or Lyft is the most popular option, since many passengers use these apps for their speed and convenience. Alternatively, you might want to think about working for a local taxi firm, or even setting up your own business. However, Uber is definitely the most popular way, and getting set up with them is fairly easy.
Licensing
A full, clean driving license is the first requirement to become a taxi driver. However, you will need to get an additional license to operate as a taxi driver in your area, known as a private hire license. You can get this by contacting your local council where you can find more information about what you need to do to get this license and start working.
You will usually need to undergo an assessment of your driving skills, and a health check to make sure that you are fit and well to do the job. You will also usually need to pass a background check to get the license.
Insurance
If you want to work as a taxi driver, then the car insurance policy that you have right now is not going to cut it. It is legally required to have the right insurance for the job and if you do not have suitable taxi driver insurance on your car, then you could be fined, banned from driving, or even arrested.
The right insurance will make sure that you, your vehicle, and your passengers are covered while you are working. If you have a tighter budget, search through some online quotes to help find the cheapest taxi insurance for you.
Choosing a Car
You will need to make sure that you are driving a suitable car to be used as a taxi. If you decide to drive for a company like Uber, they will have their own requirements when it comes to which cars are accepted, so you will need to check these and make sure that your vehicle is on the list.
To use your car as a taxi, it will usually need to have five doors, be in good condition, and there are usually age requirements. If your car doesn’t make the cut, there are several things that you can do including buying a new car outright to upgrade it or leasing a car to be used as a taxi.
Choosing Where and When to Work
Once you are all set up and ready to start as a taxi driver, choosing where and when to work is going to be another major consideration. Where you work and the times that you drive is going to contribute to how much money you can make as a taxi driver.
In general, busy towns and cities tend to have more demand for taxis, so you might want to consider driving a little further out of your local area to take advantage of this if you live in a quieter area. Along with this, the times that your taxi is available can also impact the amount of money that you make. Working on Friday evenings or over the weekends is usually the most lucrative since this is when lots of people are going out with their friends and require taxis to get them there and back.
If you enjoy driving, working with the general public, and don’t mind working unsociable hours, then getting started as a taxi driver could be an ideal career choice for you.
