Taxi drivers transport passengers for a fee. There are basically two categories of taxis: those that cater mainly for business travellers and tourists and those that service regular commuter routes (minibus taxi).
Taxi drivers that cater for business travellers and tourists usually transport people to airports, convention centres or places of entertainment. These drivers pick up passengers waiting in taxi lines at airports, bus and railroad terminals, convention centres or hotels. Customers may also call taxi companies, which relay the information to their nearest taxi driver by means of two-way radio. These taxi drivers transport the passengers, collect the fee according to the meter in the taxi and record the transaction in a log. The taxi drivers in this category are expected to be familiar with tourist hotels and places of interest.
Minibus taxi drivers transport: daily commuters from outlying areas to their places of work in the city or other industrial areas; and children to their schools. These taxi drivers charge a set fare for a particular route and distance. They collect passengers at taxi ranks at any point along regular routes. The passengers use hand signals to indicate the part of town to which they want to travel. They expect minibus taxi drivers to be familiar with peak hour traffic patterns and less congested routes to ensure that they get to work and school on time.
Satisfying Aspects
- working without close supervision
- taking responsibility for the safety of the taxi its passengers
- working with people
- travelling
Demanding aspects
- having to report to work at short notice if another driver does not turn up
- working weekends, evenings or holidays
- working under pressure
- driving in rush hour traffic
- driving in adverse weather conditions
Requirements
A taxi driver should:
- be at least 18 years old;
- be in possession of a valid driver's licence;
- have good driving skills;
- have a good sense of direction;
- be patient when waiting for customers;
- be able to deal with rude customers;
- have a calm temperament for when driving in congested traffic;
- be reliable to pick up customers at times agreed upon;
- be responsible;
- have integrity.
School Subjects
No specific requirements.
Compulsory Subjects: None
Recommended Subjects: None
Training
IN-SERVICE TRAINING:
Many bodies offer short training courses for the taxi drivers.
Employer
- taxi companies
- minibus taxi owners
- self-employment, with enough experience, initiative and capital, can purchase own vehicle and operate independently and even start their own fleet of taxis
Contact
Association of Taxi Owners