People interested in driving a limousine or taxicab must first have a regular automobile driver's license. They also must acquire a chauffeur or taxi driver's license, commonly called a "hack" license. Local authorities generally require applicants for a hack license to pass a written exam or complete a training program. To qualify either through an exam or a training program, applicants must know local geography, motor vehicle laws, safe driving practices, regulations governing taxicabs, and display some aptitude for being able to deal courteously with the public. Training programs usually include a test on English proficiency, usually in the form of listening comprehension; applicants who do not pass the English exam must take an English course along with the formal driving program. Many taxicab or limousine companies sponsor applicants and give them a temporary permit that allows them to drive, even though they may not yet have finished the training program or passed the test.
Some taxi and limousine companies give new driver on-the-job training. They show drivers how to operate the taximeter and communications equipment, and how to complete paperwork. Other topics covered may include driver safety and popular sightseeing and entertainment destinations. Many companies have contracts with social service agencies and transportation services to transport elderly and disabled citizens in non-emergency situations. To support these services, new drivers may get special training on how to handle wheelchair lifts and other mechanical devices.
Taxi drivers and chauffeurs should be able to get along with many different types of people. They must be patient when waiting for passengers or when dealing with rude customers, and driving in heavy and congested traffic requires tolerance and a mild temperament. Drivers should also be dependable because passengers rely on them to be picked up at prearranged times and taken to the correct destination. To be successful, drivers must be responsible and self-motivated because they work with little supervision.
The majority of taxi drivers and chauffeurs are called "lease drivers." Lease drivers pay a monthly or weekly fee to the company allowing them to lease their vehicle and have access to the company dispatch system. The fee may also include a charge for vehicle maintenance, insurance, and a deposit on the vehicle. Lease drivers may take their cars home with them when they are not on duty.
Opportunities for advancement are limited for taxi drivers and chauffeurs. Experienced drivers may obtain preferred routes or shifts. Some advance to dispatcher or manager jobs; others may start their own limousine company. On the other hand, many drivers like the independent, unsupervised work of driving their automobile.
In many small and medium-size communities, drivers are able to buy their taxi, limousine, or other type of automobile and go into business for themselves. These independent owner-drivers require an additional permit that allows them to operate their vehicle as a company. Some big cities limit the number of operating permits and one may only become an owner-driver by buying a permit from an owner-driver who is leaving the business. Although many owner-drivers are successful, some fail to cover expenses and eventually lose their permit and automobile. Good business sense and courses in accounting, business, and business arithmetic can help an owner-driver become successful. Knowledge of mechanics can enable owner-drivers to perform their routine maintenance and minor repairs to cut expenses.
JOB OUTLOOK
Taxi drivers and chauffeurs held about 106,000 jobs in 1996. About two-thirds were wage and salary workers employed by a company or business. Of these, about 33 percent worked for local and suburban transportation companies and about 20 percent worked for taxicab companies. Others worked for automotive rental dealerships, private households, and funeral homes and about a third were self-employed.
People seeking jobs as taxi drivers and chauffeurs should encounter good opportunities. Thousands of job openings will occur each year as drivers transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force. However, driving jobs vary greatly in terms of earnings, work hours, and working conditions. Because driving does not require education beyond high school, competition is expected for jobs offering regular hours and attractive earnings and working conditions. Opportunities should be best for persons with good driving records who are able to work flexible schedules.
Employment of taxi drivers and chauffeurs is expected to grow slower than the average for all occupations through 2006 as local and intercity travel increases with population growth. Opportunities should be best in metropolitan areas that are growing rapidly.
Job opportunities can fluctuate from season to season and from month to month. Extra drivers may be hired during holiday seasons and peak travel and tourist times. During economic slowdowns, drivers are seldom laid off but they may have to increase their working hours, and earnings may decline somewhat. Independent owner-operators are particularly vulnerable to economic slowdowns.
SALARIES
Earnings of taxi drivers and chauffeurs vary greatly, depending on the number of hours worked, customers' tips, and other factors. Those who usually worked full-time had median weekly earnings of $387 in 1996. The middle 50 percent earned between $258 and $653 a week. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $192, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $850 a week. Earnings were generally higher in more urban areas.
According to limited information available, the majority of independent taxi owner-drivers earned from about $20,000 to $30,000, including tips. However, professional drivers with a regular clientele often earn more. Many chauffeurs who worked full-time earned from about $25,000 to $50,000, including tips.
RELATED FIELDS
Other workers who drive vehicles on highways and city streets are ambulance drivers, bus drivers, and truck drivers.
INTERVIEW
Sarah Benson
Taxi Driver
Sarah Benson is an owner-operator of a taxi that she drives through the Grand Old Taxi Company in Nashville, Tennessee. She has been i a driver since 1989.
How Sarah Benson Got Started
"I had been working for an insurance company but had been under a great deal of stress, so I decided to try something entirely different. Because I was a single parent at the time, it was important that I find another job immediately. I checked into driving a taxi and learned that with little expense and almost no training I could be working before my severance pay ran out.
"In some cities there is an extensive training period for new taxi drivers. But here in Nashville they expect you to have live in the area for about three years so you know your way around. You are required to take a 2)4 hour training session provided by the metropolitan agency that is responsible for the taxi industry. And you are expected to ride with another driver for at least a few hours to learn to use the radio, locate taxi stands and do the limited amount of paperwork that is required of taxi drivers. After one day I was on my own. Basically, if you didn't have a wreck the first day you were considered a "good" driver.
"My husband and I now own a taxi that we operate about sixteen to twenty hours per day. I drive in the daytime and m i husband drives in the evenings."
