How to Be Taxi Driver - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Sep 21, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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FAQ

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Taxi Driver is one of the most famous films directed by Martin Scorsese. The movie follows the story of Travis Bickle, a lonely and disturbed Vietnam War veteran in 1970s New York City. The film focuses on his descent into madness as he attempts to save a teenage girl from a life of prostitution.

His growing sense of alienation and rage leads him to commit acts of violence against those he sees as corrupt and morally bankrupt. As a result of these actions, Travis is seen as a symbol of urban alienation and vigilante justice, while the film has been seen as a defining work of the American New Wave movement. Taxi Driver has since become a classic film, beloved by both critics and audiences alike, and is often cited as one of the greatest films ever made.

Steps How to Become

Research your local state and local licensing requirements. Depending on where you live, you may need to have a special license or permit to become a taxi driver.
Pass a background check. Most states require taxi drivers to pass a criminal background check before they can be licensed.
Obtain a commercial drivers license (CDL). In some states, you may need a CDL in order to drive a taxi. Check with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to see if this is required.
Take a taxi driver training course. Most cities and states require taxi drivers to take a course in order to be licensed. This will help you learn the rules of the road and how to properly operate a taxi.
Get a medical examination. You may have to provide proof that you are healthy enough to drive a taxi, so get a medical examination from your doctor before you apply for your license.
Apply for your license. Once you have all the necessary paperwork and training, you can apply for your license at your local DMV.
Get insurance. You must have insurance in order to legally drive a taxi. Contact an insurance provider for more information about the type of coverage you need.
Get a vehicle inspected. Depending on where you live, you may have to get your vehicle inspected before you can start driving it as a taxi. Contact your local DMV for more information about this requirement.
Get your vehicle marked as a taxi. Most cities require taxis to have special markings or signs on them so they can be easily identified. Contact your local DMV for more information about this requirement.
Start driving! Once you have all the necessary paperwork and training, you can start driving your taxi and picking up passengers!

One of the most important factors for becoming a skilled and competent taxi driver is to have a solid understanding of the local roads and geography. Knowing the streets, roads and highways in the area is essential, as it allows the driver to get passengers to their destination quickly and safely. Furthermore, having a good knowledge of traffic rules and regulations is also important, as this helps the driver to abide by the law and avoid any legal issues.

good communication skills are also beneficial, as it allows the driver to respond to customer queries and provide them with an enjoyable journey. Finally, having a friendly attitude towards customers helps to ensure that they feel comfortable and welcome during their ride. All these factors combined can help an individual to become a skilled and competent taxi driver.

You may want to check Pet Taxi Driver, RV/Motorhome Rental Delivery Driver, and Forklift Driver for alternative.

Job Description

Pick up and transport customers to their destination
Monitor the condition of the vehicle, including regular maintenance and inspections
Follow designated routes and comply with traffic regulations
Collect payment from customers and provide change and receipts
Respond to customer inquiries
Keep records of trips, including mileage, fares, and waiting time
Assist passengers in loading and unloading luggage
Assist disabled passengers
Provide information about the local area
Report any mechanical issues to the appropriate personnel

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of the local area and its routes.
Ability to read maps and use GPS to find the quickest route.
Knowledge of local traffic laws and regulations.
Good customer service skills.
Good communication skills.
Ability to handle money and make change.
Ability to work with a variety of people.
Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
Good driving record with a valid license and insurance.
Ability to work with minimal supervision.

One of the most important skills to have in life is the ability to problem solve. Problem solving is a skill that allows individuals to find solutions to difficult challenges and obstacles they may face in their everyday lives. People who possess this skill can analyze a situation, identify potential solutions, and take action to resolve the problem.

Problem-solving requires critical thinking, creativity, and communication, as well as having a deep understanding of the context in which the problem exists. It is important to understand the cause and effect of a situation, as well as how the different elements of a problem might be interconnected. Good problem-solving skills can be used to navigate complex situations, whether in school, work, or personal relationships.

Having this skill can help people make better decisions and improve their overall quality of life.

Horse-Drawn Carriage Driver, Armored Car Driver, and Bicycle Courier Driver are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have driving a taxi?
What is your approach to customer service?
How do you handle difficult situations with passengers?
Describe a time when you had to deal with an angry customer.
Are you knowledgeable about the local area?
What safety measures do you take when driving a taxi?
How do you handle cash and credit card transactions?
Do you have any experience using digital navigation systems?
What steps do you take to ensure the comfort and safety of passengers?
How do you handle situations where passengers are late for their destination?

Common Tools in Industry

Vehicle Maintenance Log. A tool to track the maintenance history of a vehicle. (eg: when a vehicles oil was last changed)
Route Planning Software. Software used to plan out the most efficient route for a taxi driver. (eg: mapping out the quickest route to take customers between two locations)
Digital Payment Processing. A service used to process payments made by customers via credit/debit cards or other digital payment platforms. (eg: Stripe or Square)
Automated Fare Calculation. Software that calculates fares based on distance and time traveled. (eg: Uber or Lyft)
GPS Navigation. A tool used to provide drivers with directions and locations. (eg: Google Maps or Apple Maps)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Medical Association (AMA)
American Bar Association (ABA)
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
American Institute of Architects (AIA)
The National Association of Realtors (NAR)
American Psychological Association (APA)
National Education Association (NEA)
National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)
Professional Association of Innkeepers International (PAII)
National Limousine Association (NLA)

We also have Ride-Sharing Service Driver, Truck Driver, and Courier Driver jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Taxi Service. A service provided by a company or individual which offers transportation to passengers in exchange for a fee.
Dispatching. The process of assigning jobs to a taxi driver.
Tip. Money given to a taxi driver as a reward for good service.
Meter. A device installed in a taxi which measures the distance traveled and calculates the fare to be paid.
Fare. The amount of money a passenger pays for a taxi ride.
GPS. Global Positioning System which helps guide taxi drivers to their destination.
Road Rage. Aggressive behavior exhibited by drivers on the road.
Fare Surcharge. An additional cost imposed on passengers for using certain services or for traveling during peak hours.
Taxicab Regulations. Laws and regulations governing the operation of taxicabs in a particular area.
Driver's License. A license required by law to operate a motor vehicle, such as a taxi, in public places.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Who wrote the screenplay for Taxi Driver? A1: Paul Schrader wrote the screenplay for Taxi Driver. Q2: What year was Taxi Driver released? A2: Taxi Driver was released in 1976. Q3: Who directed Taxi Driver? A3: Martin Scorsese directed Taxi Driver. Q4: Who starred in Taxi Driver? A4: Robert De Niro starred in Taxi Driver. Q5: What award did Taxi Driver win? A5: Taxi Driver won the Palme d'Or at the 1976 Cannes Film Festival.