Fancy a career change? Why not become an Aberdeen Taxi driver and put your working life into a new gear!
The last few years have been a tumultuous, complicated time for many of us. Between pandemics, wars and global climate emergencies, there’s not been much you can rely on. That is, except for the taxi industry. Even throughout the lockdown, Aberdeen Taxi drivers were transporting passengers to appointments, to supermarkets and pharmacies for supplies, and even transporting vital blood and other essential supplies to hospitals, GPs and everywhere that needed items delivered.
Aberdeen Taxis operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year servicing the needs of residents and visitors to the great city of Aberdeen.
You could be a part of that essential infrastructure that keeps Aberdeen running, no matter the global events that surround the city.
Read below to find out why being an Aberdeen taxi driver might be the change of career you’ve been looking for!
What Does an Aberdeen Taxi Driver Do?
You will already have an idea of what a taxi driver’s duties may be, but here is a wee list of the main duties associated with driving a taxi in Aberdeen:
Taxi driver’s duties include:
- Driving passengers to their destinations in a prompt, courteous manner.
- Accepting bookings from an operator at the office. Usually via your phone or in-car terminal.
- Taking advance pre-bookings and populating taxi ranks for ad-hoc jobs.
- Help to load and unload passengers’ luggage.
- Take payments, both cash and card.
- Keep the vehicle clean, and roadworthy, and adhere to all health and safety procedures and any local COVID-19 hygiene measures.
How Much Does an Aberdeen Taxi Driver Earn?
The great thing about being a taxi driver is that your earning potential is in YOUR hands. How much you earn as a driver purely depends on the number of hours you decide to work. A full-time taxi driver could work from 40 to 60 hours a week, with the weekends being the busiest period.
As a driver, you can also choose to be self-employed, where you keep all your earnings and pay a fee to use a taxi operator’s platform for passenger bookings etc. Being self-employed means, you can choose when and how much you work, giving you greater freedom. Most taxi drivers in the UK choose to be self-employed, giving them the freedom to work as much or as little as they choose. They work driving around life, rather than work life around work!
Why Become a Taxi or PHC Driver in Aberdeen?
Be Your Own Boss
Becoming a PHC or taxi driver in Aberdeen means you’ll have access to Aberdeen Taxis’ exceptional booking platform. This will give you access to quality runs ranging from Airport transports to school runs and everything in between.
Become your own boss and earn on your terms without having to sacrifice your salary!
Meet new people
You’ll meet all sorts of interesting people as you drive them to their diverse destinations. You’ll get the chance to chat and serve all sorts of people, so if you love meeting new folk, being a taxi driver in Aberdeen could be the job for you!
How to Become a driver
To become a taxi driver in Scotland, you will need the following:
- You’ll need to be at least 21 years old
- Have a clean current driving licence
- Have been driving for at least 12 months
- You will need to pass a test of knowledge about the Aberdeen area
- A PHC driver does not need to pass a knowledge test
You will also need to apply for a special license from the Council to operate as a taxi driver. Also needed is a medical examination to make sure you’re fit enough to work as a taxi driver in Aberdeen. You will also need to be approved for the Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme run by Disclosure Scotland. This is to check on any previous convictions that may exclude you from being able to become a taxi driver or PHC driver.
Skills and Qualifications That Would Help You
Any additional driver training like an Advanced Driving Test would be of great use in your role as a cab driver.
Basic car maintenance skills are a huge plus. This will help keep your car on the road and the maintenance costs down.
Customer service experience is a great help, but just a personable temperament and positive disposition can help your career in private car hire enormously.
How Do I Apply to Be an Aberdeen Taxi Driver?
Aberdeen Taxis are currently looking for both experienced and new taxi drivers. Contact Aberdeen Taxis on 01224 200200 or send the team an email about how they can help you join their ranks and get your taxi driving career in Aberdeen off to a great start!