Whether you’re looking for a new job after the COVID-19 pandemic, want to make some extra money in your free time alongside working full-time or want the opportunity to work for yourself and set your own hours full-time, your car could be a great place to get started. If you have a suitable car, you might want to consider getting started as a taxi driver. Taxis are always needed to help people get to destinations, and it is an ideal part- or full-time work option for any confident driver. However, before you can start taking fares for driving your passengers to where they need to be, there are a few key things you’ll need to put in place.
How You’ll Start Working
When it comes to getting started as a taxi driver, there are several options to consider. You may want to start your own taxi firm if you’re feeling ambitious and entrepreneurial, or work as an employee or self-employed contractor for a local taxi firm. Online taxi company Uber is a popular choice these days, since Uber is quickly becoming the number one way to book a taxi and is a guaranteed way for taxi drivers to make money.
Licensing
Simply having a full and clean driving licence is sadly not enough if you want to work as a taxi driver. Before you can start transporting passengers in your car for a fare, you will need to obtain a taxi licence that will allow you to operate as a taxi driver in your area. Contact your local council who will be able to provide you with more information on what you will need to do to get your license. This will usually involve having your driving skills assessed, going to a medical exam to ensure that you’re fit and well to drive for work, and passing a background check.
Make Sure That Your Car is Suitable
Once you have gotten a licence, you’ll need to ensure that your car is suitable for using as a taxi. If you are starting out with your own firm, then you can make your own rules about the cars that can be used as taxis. However, most local firms will have some requirements that your car will need to meet in terms of space and safety before they will allow you to drive with them. If you have decided to drive for Uber, they have a list on their website of all the cars that they accept as taxis. If your car isn’t suitable, it might be worth considering upgrading to a new lease vehicle that can be used as a taxi.
Getting Insured
Regular car insurance will not be enough to cover your needs if you are working as a taxi driver. Having the right insurance for doing your job is a legal requirement and will also ensure that both you and your passengers are adequately covered in the event of an accident on the road. When it comes to getting insurance, it’s important to go with a specially designed taxi insurance policy that is designed to cover the type of work that you are doing. You can find taxi insurance quotes on insurance sites like Quotezone and many others. To get your best price, simply enter your details, details about your vehicle and information on the work you’re planning to do in it into Quotezone.co.uk to get a list of quotes from insurers that are willing to provide cover.
How Much Do Taxi Drivers Make?
How much money you can make as a taxi driver will depend on a number of factors including the firm that you work for, whether you are employed or self-employed, and how often you work. According to the National Careers Service, taxi drivers who work around forty hours per week and take advantage of busier periods can earn around £30k annually. If you enjoy driving and don’t mind working on the evenings and weekends, driving a taxi is a great way to earn a good salary.
What Hours Do Taxi Drivers Work?
If you decide to become a self-employed taxi driver, the best part about the job is that it’s up to you to decide the hours and days that you would like to work. Taxis are needed all day long, throughout the night and on every day of the week, so it’s up to you to decide which hours you’d like to take advantage of to get the most work and bring in the most money. Most taxi drivers choose to work in the evenings, Friday nights and over the weekend since this is when their services tend to be in the most demand, particularly in the larger cities.
If you’re looking for a new job or side hustle and enjoy driving your car, getting started as a taxi driver can be an ideal way to make money.
