Taxi driver
Pick up passengers then take them to their destination by the quickest and safest route.
Also known as: cab driver, cabbie, private hire vehicle driver
About the job
What it's like
Do you like the idea of working behind the wheel? As a taxi driver, you'll pick up passengers and charge a fee to drop them off at their destination.
Taxis are a vital part of any town or city's transport system. There are two types of taxi you could drive in Scotland:
hackney or ‘black cab’: you’ll pick up customers from official taxi ranks or while on the move. For example, you may pick up someone at the rank outside Glasgow Central Station and take them to Sauchiehall Street. As you’re dropping them off, you may pick up someone else who needs a lift back down towards Central Station.
private hire vehicle: passengers will pre-book your taxi through an app or operator. You cannot collect people that flag you down on the street.
Taxi drivers combine normal 'pick-up' jobs with contract work, such as school runs. You may also make longer-distance trips where you'll take people to airports, or to and from concerts in other towns.
Your tasks might include:
taking job details over the radio from the office operator, or via an in-car computer
helping to load and unload passengers' luggage
supporting passengers as they get in and out of the vehicle, if needed
taking payments from customers, either by cash or card
making sure your vehicle is clean and roadworthy
keeping accounts and records, especially if you're self-employed
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Private hire vehicle or minicab licence (Scotland) – learn about the licence you'll need to drive a taxi in Scotland
Disclosure Scotland – find out more about the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- problem solving
- resourceful
- respecting
- building relationships
- verbal communication
- recalling
- developing a plan
- time management
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
You don't need to study any specific subjects to do this job. It's more important that you have relevant skills and experience.
You don't need any formal qualifications to become a taxi driver. But most employers will value a good general education.
Here are the steps you should take to start working as a taxi driver in Scotland.
1. Check your local licensing requirements
Every council has its own taxi licensing department – you'll need to apply through them.
2. Apply for your taxi driver's licence
This'll either be a taxi (hackney carriage) driver licence or a private hire driver licence, depending on the type of vehicle you want to drive.
3. Meet the standards set by your local council
You may have to pass a local knowledge test.
Most councils ask for evidence that your vehicle meets safety and emissions standards.
Depending on the council, you may also have to complete some additional training before you start working. This could include a customer service or disability awareness course.
4. Get licensed and start working
Once you've met the standards set by your local council, you'll be sent your driver's licence and badge. This badge must be displayed at all times while working.
You must also insure your vehicle properly. Taxi drivers in Scotland need to have 'hire and reward' insurance.
You can then drive independently, join a taxi firm or work through a private hire company or app.
Use the My World of Work job search to look for vacancies.
Many employers value additional driver training, such as the Advanced Driving Test offered by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM).
Any experience or qualifications that show awareness of customer service, time management or local geography are useful. Use the My World of Work course search to explore some free qualifications you could study.
To work as a taxi driver in most council areas, you must be at least 21 years old.
You'll need a full, clean UK driving licence.
The majority of councils require taxi drivers to have been driving for at least 12 months.
You need to be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme, run by Disclosure Scotland.
