Taxi Drivers and Chauffeurs

Taxi Drivers and Chauffeurs Earnings

Earnings of taxi drivers and chauffeurs vary greatly, depending on factors such as the number of hours worked, customersÕ tips, and geographic location. Median hourly earnings of salaried taxi drivers and chauffeurs, including tips, were $8.91 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $7.31 and $11.45 an hour. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $6.31, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $15.18 an hour. Median hourly earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of taxi drivers and chauffeurs in 2002 were as follows:

Taxi and limousine service $9.71
Other transit and ground passenger transportation 8.70
Individual and family services 8.14
Automotive equipment rental and leasing 7.99
Traveler accommodation 7.96

Taxi Drivers and Chauffeurs Nature of Work

Anyone who has been in a large city knows the importance of taxi and limousine service. Taxi drivers, also known as cab drivers help passengers get to and from their homes, workplaces, and recreational pursuits such as dining, entertainment, and shopping. They also help out-of-town business people and tourists get around in unfamiliar surroundings.

At the start of their driving shift, taxi drivers usually report to a taxicab service or garage where they are assigned a vehicle, most frequently a large, conventional automobile modified for commercial passenger transport. They record their name, work date, and cab identification number on a trip sheet. Drivers check the cabÕs fuel and oil levels, and make sure that the lights, brakes, and windshield wipers are in good working order. Drivers adjust rear and side mirrors and their seat for comfort. Any equipment or part not in good working order is reported to the dispatcher or company mechanic.

Taxi drivers pick up passengers in 1 of 3 ways: "CruisingÓ the streets to pick up random passengers; prearranging pickups; and picking up passengers from taxistands established in highly trafficked areas. In urban areas, the majority of passengers "wave downÓ drivers cruising the streets. Customers may also prearrange a pickup by calling a cab company and giving a location, approximate pickup time, and destination. The cab company dispatcher then relays the information to a driver by two-way radio, cellular telephone, or onboard computer. Outside of urban areas, the majority of trips are dispatched in this manner. Drivers also pick up passengers waiting at cabstands or in taxi lines at airports, train stations, hotels, restaurants, and other places where people frequently seek taxis.

Some drivers transport individuals with special needs, such as those with disabilities and the elderly. These drivers, also known as paratransit drivers, operate specially equipped vehicles designed to accommodate a variety of needs in nonemergency situations. Although special certification is not necessary, some additional training on the equipment and passenger needs may be required.

Drivers should be familiar with streets in the areas they serve so they can use the most efficient route to destinations. They should know the locations of frequently requested destinations, such as airports, bus and railroad terminals, convention centers, hotels, and other points of interest. In case of emergency, the driver should also know the location of fire and police stations and hospitals.

Upon reaching the destination, drivers determine the fare and announce it to the rider. Fares often consist of many parts. In many cabs, a taximeter measures the fare based on the length of the trip and the amount of time the trip took. Drivers turn the taximeter on when passengers enter the cab and turn it off when they reach the final destination. The fare also may include a surcharge for additional passengers, a fee for handling luggage, or a drop charge—an additional flat fee added for use of the cab. In some cases, fares are determined by a system of zones through which the taxi passes during a trip. Passengers generally add a tip or gratuity to the fare. The amount of the gratuity depends on the passengersÕ satisfaction with the quality and efficiency of the ride and courtesy of the driver. Drivers also must fill out accident reports when necessary.

Chauffeurs operate limousines, vans, and private cars for limousine companies, private businesses, government agencies, and wealthy individuals. Others drive luxury automobiles, such as limousines, to business events, entertainment venues, and social events. Still others provide full-time personal transportation for wealthy families and private companies.

At the start of the workday, chauffeurs prepare their automobiles or vans for use. They inspect the vehicle for cleanliness and, when needed, vacuum the interior and wash the exterior body, windows, and mirrors. They check fuel and oil levels and make sure the lights, tires, brakes, and windshield wipers work. Chauffeurs may perform routine maintenance and make minor repairs, such as changing tires or adding oil and other fluids when needed. They help riders into the car by holding open doors, holding umbrellas when it is raining, and loading packages and luggage into the trunk of the car.

Taxi Drivers and Chauffeurs Job Outlook

Persons seeking jobs as taxi drivers and chauffeurs should encounter good opportunities, because of the need to replace the many people who work in this occupation for short periods and then transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force. However, opportunities for drivers vary greatly in terms of earnings, work hours, and working conditions, depending on economic and regulatory conditions. Opportunities should be best for persons with good driving records and the ability to work flexible schedules.

Employment of taxi drivers and chauffeurs is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2012, as local and suburban travel increases with population growth. Employment growth also will stem from Federal legislation requiring services for persons with disabilities. Rapidly growing metropolitan areas should offer the best job opportunities.

The number of job openings can fluctuate with the cycle of the overall economy because the demand for taxi and limousine transportation depends on travel and tourism. During economic slowdowns, drivers are seldom laid off, but they may have to increase their work hours and earnings may decline. In economic upturns, job openings are numerous as many drivers transfer to other occupations. Extra drivers may be hired during holiday seasons and peak travel and tourist times.

.

Taxi Drivers and Chauffeurs Significant Points

Taxi Drivers and Chauffeurs Training

Local governments set license standards and requirements for taxi drivers and chauffeurs that include minimum qualifications for driving experience and training. Many taxi and limousine companies set higher standards than required by law. It is common for companies to review applicantsÕ medical, credit, criminal, and driving records. In addition, many companies require a higher minimum age than that which is legally required and prefer that drivers be high school graduates.

Persons interested in driving a limousine or taxicab must first have a regular automobile driverÕs license. They also must acquire a chauffeur or taxi driverÕs license, commonly called a "hackÓ license. Local authorities generally require applicants for a hack license to pass a written exam or complete a training program that may include up to 80 hours of classroom instruction. To qualify through either 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 customer service. Many training programs 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. In addition, some classroom instruction includes route management, mapreading, and service for passengers with disabilities. Many taxicab or limousine companies sponsor applicants and give them a temporary permit that allows them to drive, although the applicant may not yet have finished the training program or passed the test. However, some jurisdictions, such as New York City, have discontinued this practice and now require driver applicants to complete the licensing process before operating a taxi or limousine.

Some taxi and limousine companies give new drivers 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 nonemergency 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. It is also helpful for drivers to be tolerant and have even tempers when driving in heavy and congested traffic. Drivers should be dependable because passengers expect to be picked up at a prearranged time and taken to the correct destination. To be successful, drivers must be responsible and self-motivated because they work with little supervision. Increasingly, companies encourage drivers to develop their own loyal customer base to improve their businesses.

Many taxi drivers and chauffeurs are called lease drivers. These drivers pay a daily, weekly, or monthly fee to the company allowing them to lease their vehicle. In the case of limousines, leasing also permits the driver access to the companyÕs dispatch system. The fee also may 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.

In small and medium-sized communities, drivers are sometimes 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 allowing them to operate their vehicle as a company. Some big cities limit the number of operating permits. In these cities, drivers become owner-drivers by buying permits from owner-drivers who leave 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 to become successful. Knowledge of mechanics enables owner-drivers to perform their own routine maintenance and minor repairs to cut expenses.

.

Taxi Drivers and Chauffeurs Employment

Taxi Drivers and Chauffeurs Related Occupations

Other workers who have similar jobs include bus drivers and truck drivers and driver/sales workers.

Taxi Drivers and Chauffeurs Additional Sources

Information on licensing and registration of taxi drivers and chauffeurs is available from local government agencies that regulate taxicabs. For information about work opportunities as a taxi driver or chauffeur, contact local taxi or limousine companies or State employment service offices.

For general information about the work of limousine drivers, contact:

Taxi Drivers and Chauffeurs Summaries of Related Webpages

This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. For example, a person can become a general office clerk even if he/she has never worked in an office before. Job Training Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few days to a few months of training. Job Zone Examples These occupations involve following instructions and helping others. Examples include bus drivers, forest and conservation workers, general office clerks,home health aides, and waiters/waitresses.
Summary of: http://online.onetcenter.org/link/summary/53-3041.00

The independence and self-supervision involved with taxi driving and chauffeur work are highly valued by many drivers. Taxi DriversÑoften called cab driversÑprovide passengers with transportation to and from their homes, places of business and recreational areas, including restaurants theaters, shopping centers, etc. They also provide transportation for visiting tourists and business people who are unfamiliar with the driverÕs locale. Each driver is assigned a vehicleÑgenerally a conventional, large-sized automobile that has been adjusted to meet the needs associated with commercial passenger transport. Chauffeurs provide transportation services for limousine companies, government agencies, private businesses and wealthy individuals, and may drive limousines, vans or private vehicles.
Summary of: http://www.careeroverview.com/taxi-driver-careers.html

Except for a small number of chauffeurs employed in private service, most charge passengers a fee. Taxi drivers, also known as cab drivers, drive taxicabs, which are custom automobiles modified for transporting passengers. At the start of their driving shift, cab drivers usually report to a cab service or garage where they are assigned a cab. They are given a trip sheet, where they record their name, date of work, and cab identification number. Fares often consist of many parts.
Summary of: http://www2.jobtrak.com/help_manuals/outlook/ocos245.html

Nature of the Work Anyone who has been in a large city knows the importance of taxi cab and limousine service. Drivers pick up passengers from street corners, airports, bus terminals, and train stations and drive them to their destinations. Their service helps residents, commuters, and visitors get from one place to another in a timely fashion. Fares often consist of many parts. Chauffeurs operate limousines, vans, and private cars for limousine companies, private businesses, government agencies, and wealthy individuals.
Summary of: http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/ooh9899/111.htm

Meter fitted to vehicle - Fares regulated by WDC. Can use designated Taxi Ranks. Can use Bus / Taxi Lanes. Licence number starts with PH. A vehicle being used for a contract with one company cannot be used for any other contract or purpose during the period of the contract.
Summary of: http://www.wokingham.gov.uk/maps-travel-and-transport/taxis

check the tires and oil levels) ensure that their vehicles meet mechanical safety standards. Working Conditions Driving a taxi can be emotionally and physically demanding. Drivers work in all types of weather and road conditions, and may routinely lift luggage and other items weighing up to 25 kilograms. Some drivers prefer to work night shifts because there is less traffic. Employment and Advancement section revised JANUARY 2005Most taxi drivers are self-employed.
Summary of: http://www.alis.gov.ab.ca/occinfo/Content/RequestAction.asp?aspAction=GetHTMLProfile&format=html&OCCPRO_ID=71001973

Taxi drivers usually begin their shift by reporting to the taxi company and getting their assigned taxi. They check the cab to be sure the lights, brakes, horn, and wipers work properly. They pick up passengers at taxi stands or places where people gather, such as airports or train stations. Some drivers transport people with special needs, such as those with disabilities and the elderly. They like to work in a friendly, non-competitive environment.
Summary of: http://www.iseek.org/sv/13000.jsp?id=100208

Many taxi drivers and chauffeurs like the independent, unsupervised work of driving their automobile. Local governments set license standards that include minimum qualifications for driving experience and training; many taxi and limousine companies set higher standards. Taxi drivers, also known as cab drivers help passengers get to and from their homes, workplaces, and recreational pursuits such as dining, entertainment, and shopping. Drivers also pick up passengers waiting at cabstands or in taxi lines at airports, train stations, hotels, restaurants, and other places where people frequently seek taxis. Drivers turn the taximeter on when passengers enter the cab and turn it off when they reach the final destination.
Summary of: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos245.htm

Many people work in these jobs for short periods, so job opportunities will be good because replacement needs are high. Many taxi drivers and chauffeurs like the independent, unsupervised work of driving their automobile. These drivers help passengers get to and from their homes, workplaces, and recreational pursuits such as dining, entertainment, and shopping. Taxi drivers, also known as cab drivers, usually spend most of their time cruising the streets to pick up fares. Chauffeurs operate limousines, vans, and private cars for limousine companies, private businesses, government agencies, and wealthy individuals.
Summary of: http://www.jobbankusa.com/ohb/ohb245.html

Nature of the Work Anyone who has been in a large city knows the importance of taxi and limousine service. Taxi drivers, also known as cab drivers, help passengers get to and from their homes, workplaces, and recreational pursuits such as dining, entertainment, and shopping. They also help out-of-town business people and tourists get around in new surroundings. Chauffeurs operate limousines, vans, and private cars for limousine companies, private businesses, government agencies, and wealthy individuals. Working Conditions Taxi drivers and chauffeurs occasionally have to load and unload heavy luggage and packages.
Summary of: http://www.a2zbizdir.com/limousine-drivers-taxi-drivers-chauffeurs.html

Back to Index