Taxi Driver
OFO No:
What is a Taxi Driver?
Taxi Drivers drive passengers from one destination to another.
This job requires long hours behind the steering wheel and unusual working hours. This could mean you may work during and through the night.
There are 2 main kinds of Taxi Drivers:
- Sedan vehicle Taxi Drivers
- Minibus Taxi Drivers
What does a Taxi Driver do?
- Sedan Vehicle Taxi Drivers
transport passengers in a regular car. This car is fitted with a meter which works out how long the trip was and how much the fare is. Passengers usually phone and book this kind of taxi or find the taxi parked at very specific taxi ranks. Typical journeys include: to and from the airport, from one side of the city or town to the other, between various transport options like airports, stations and ports etc. Typical passenger include: tourists and those wishing for a convenient way to get to the airport for example without using their own car. Some of these Taxi Drivers either work for a company who has a number of vehicles or the Taxi Driver can work for themselves.
- Minibus Taxi Driver
transports passenger in a minibus. They charge a set fare for a particular route and distance. Passengers are picked up taxi ranks or at specific points along the route. Typical passengers include: daily commuters from outlying areas to their places of work in the city or other industrial areas, school children, and transporting those without their own means of transport from one place to another.
Are you … ?
- a good driver?
- responsible?
- a person with good vision?
- a person with quick reflexes?
- safety conscious?
- a person with a good knowledge of the area (eg roads, points of interest, hospitals, restaurants etc)
- mechanically minded?
- friendly?
- helpful?
- a person with sober habits?
How do I become a Taxi Driver?
Taxi Drivers need a valid/recognised, ‘clean’ drivers licence. They also need a professional driving permit (PDP).
- How do I get a Professional Driving Permit?
May 2012, the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) and NETCARE 911 launched a first aid programme for the taxi industry. Taxi Drivers will need training in first aid and CPR.
OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Petrol Pump Attendant or Bus Driver
Is becoming a Taxi Driver the right career choice for me?
See below for more info.
