If you are looking for a new profession and are considering becoming a taxi driver you need to remember that you are responsible for the safety of your passengers as well as your own. There are many other things that you will need to consider when starting out so GoTaxi have provided some useful tips to get you going.
First of all you will need to complete the application for a taxi driver’s license and this can take between 8 and 10 weeks for your request to be processed. However, if you are looking to renew your license this takes slightly less time at around 6 weeks. If you are applying for your first taxi driving license then you need to make sure that you also supply either a copy of your birth certificate, passport or medical card. You also need to be over 18 years of age and you must have held a full driving license for the last 12 months.
For many having a conviction is something that they wish to hide and it can be tempting to lie on some of the paperwork that you will be required to fill out but background checks will be carried out regardless of what you fill in on the form. This is because the Department of Environment has a legal responsibility to ensure that everyone who holds a taxi driving license is fit to do so. However, this doesn’t mean that if you do have a criminal conviction that you won’t be accepted for the license.
You also need to declare any health conditions that you might have especially if it is likely to affect your fitness as a driver. If you do have some health concerns then you may be asked to contact your doctor to provide a medical recommendation. If you are over 45 and you are applying for your first taxi driving license then you will be asked to provide a full health report if your application is successful. If once your license has been sent to you and you discover that you do have a health issue that could affect the safety of your passengers you will still need to disclose this as and when you find out.
Also have ready two passport sized photographs that are identical. If you are a successful candidate you will be asked to provide these and you will need to do so each and every time you apply for a renewal of your license too.
Be aware that the information that you provide on your form may be shared with other organisational bodies such as those who are responsible for looking after the safety of the public.
Overall, working for yourself can be very satisfying and rewarding but getting started is always going to be a challenge. Follow the steps listed above and you should be well on your way to becoming a successful taxi driver.