Clocktower Cars

How To Become a Taxi Driver in the UK

How To Become a Taxi Driver in the UK

You’ve decided to Become a Taxi Driver in UK, but how do you get started? Read our simple guide to learn everything you need to know about becoming a successful taxi driver. It’s essential to consider several factors before you begin working as a taxi driver. Firstly, you must decide whether to take a college course or apply directly for a taxi driver’s license. You’ll need to meet specific requirements if you apply directly. We offer minicab services in Minicab Twickenham To Heathrow Airport, Bookham To Carshalton Best Taxis, and Taxi Service For Luton area.

Direct application is the most common way to become a taxi driver, but completing a college course could give you an edge. You’ll likely need a couple of GCSEs to qualify for the Certificate in Road Passenger Vehicle Driving NVQ (Taxi and Private Hire) Level 2.

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How To Become a Taxi Driver in the UK

What you need to get started to Become a Taxi Driver in UK

A taxi driver must have a few things before starting out:

Legal Documentation

You need a full UK, NI, or EU driving license for at least 12 months to work as a taxi driver in the UK. Additionally, you will need a DBS certificate, which is a criminal background check.

Qualifications 

Also, you may be required to take a medical test, a driving test, and a knowledge or skills test. If your local authority requires proof of English and maths qualifications, you may need to provide it.

Taxi Insurance

To protect yourself, your car, and your fellow travellers, you’ll need to obtain taxi insurance once you’ve got your taxi driver’s licence.

How to Get your Taxi Driver’s License

The following requirements must be met before you can apply for a taxi driver’s license:

  • Having a legal right to work in the UK is essential.
  • It would help if you held a total UK, NI, or EU driving license for at least 12 months.
  • The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) may conduct an enhanced criminal record check on you as part of the background check.

Additionally, you may need the following:

  • Medical examinations
  • The ‘Knowledge’ test or ‘Cabology’ test
  • Test your driving skills
  • Qualifications in English and mathematics.

We recommend you verify the specific requirements of your local licensing authority. In addition, London has slightly different eligibility requirements. In Northern Ireland, the conditions are also different. We offer a our minicabs to a variety of areas to choose from, including:

Kingston To Heathrow Airport Taxis
The Right Taxi In The Uk
Cab Chessington To West Ewell
Taxi Service In Reigate

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How To Become a Taxi Driver in the UK

Theory Test for Taxi Drivers

Before obtaining their taxi license, many UK councils require aspiring taxi drivers to undergo a driving examination to ensure that their driving knowledge and ability are acceptable. In addition to knowing how to maintain a vehicle, you should also show consideration to passengers.

A standard driving theory test will include multiple-choice questions, as well as the identification of key road signs and hazards.

What is the cost of obtaining a taxi driver’s license When Become a Taxi Driver in UK?

Taxi driver’s license applications typically cost around £430, depending on where you live. It includes an initial application fee of about £250, a skills assessment of about £40, a ‘Knowledge’ or ‘Cabology’ test fee of about £75, and an enhanced DBS certificate for £66.60.

An additional £100 or so will be charged if you have to provide a medical certificate as well. Depending on where you live, this will vary. Local councils have different application costs – check with yours.

Where to Apply for a Taxi Driving Licence

To find out how to begin applying for your taxi driver’s license and what you need to provide, visit your local council website. Generally, it takes 12-16 weeks, but due to the high number of applicants in cities like London, it may take longer.

Do Taxi Drivers Need Insurance?

Your taxi licence will only be valid if you are covered by insurance that protects you from damage and injury. Depending on what type of vehicle you drive, there are different types of taxi insurance.

How to Become a Taxi Driver in UK?

After you’ve obtained your taxi license, you’ll need to search for a job with a taxi company. The UK is filled with quality taxi companies, but ClockTower Cars may be the right choice for you. In order to work for a taxi company, you must meet the following requirements:

  • It is necessary for you to have the right to live in the UK and a work permit.
  • Exceptional driving skills.
  • A cab driver must be medically fit.
  • You must check with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
  • It is crucial to understand roads and areas.
  • English language proficiency.

In order to earn more money as a taxi driver, you should become a dedicated driver. Anyhow, feel free to get in touch if you have any questions.

  • Wonderful experience! It was my first time booking with ClockTower Cars. I chose them because the business was recommended to me. My driver, Baryalai, was very professional and polite. We had a nice chat and he helped me with my luggage as well. I will definitely book with ClockTower Cars again.

    Carole

    Lives in: Epsom

  • Absolutely amazing!! I was very emotional having to move from my home of 15 years, and he was so kind towards me and cheered me up enormously! Friendly, helpful and considerate. I couldn’t have asked for a better driver! I will definitely be asking for Zahki for all my next trips! Honestly thank you so so much! 😊🤩🙌🙏

    Tina Main

    Lives in: Kingston Upon Thames

  • Absolutely brilliant driver. We had a great chat and the journey went so quickly. He turned a commute into a pleasure drive and the car was cleaner than my flat

    Adrian

    Lives in: Sutton

  • The lovely driver who collected us from Surbiton 9pm was very friendly, Good safe driver.
    The earlier experience was not good we were collected at 4 pm The driver was going way to fast, no patience on the road and driving way too close to other cars

    Mary Josephine Francis

    Lives in: Surbiton

  • My driver this morning was running late due to high traffic however he demonstrated that he was doing his best to ensure I still got to the hospital on time and in a proper and safe way. His pleasant conversation was a very welcome distraction. Much appreciated

    Noreen Jeffery

    Lives in: Surrey

  • We have been customers for years and have had the best experience. The drivers have always arrived on time, friendly and on this particular occasion I had probably had the best driver ever. Very calm, chilled drive. Pleasure!

    Zane K

    Lives in: London

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