It can be difficult to become a taxi driver in the UK without a guide.If you are interested in joining one of the most well-developed taxi systems in the world, you just need to submit an application, pass a few tests, and find a suitable vehicle to drive.You will have the knowledge you need to start driving taxis in the UK.
Step 1: You should be able to reside and work in the UK.
The employment laws for taxi drivers in the UK are the same as those for other workers.You must be a UK or European Economic Area citizen to work in the UK.If you have proper documentation, you should check it out at https://www.gov.uk/legal-right-work-uk.If you have spent more than 3 months in a country outside of the UK, you must complete the "Living and Working Abroad" form from TfL and submit it in your application.
Step 2: To get a license in London, you must be at least 18 years old.
If you want to become a taxi driver, you must be at least 18 years of age.Taxi license holders are required to be over 21.If you are between the ages of 18 and 21 you can apply for a taxi license and take the knowledge exam, but you won't get your license until your 21st birthday.
Step 3: You should have a full UK driving licence for at least 3 years in London.
To become a taxi driver in the UK, you need to pass the theory and driving exams.In London, you have to have your license for 3 years instead of the 12 months required in the UK.It is possible to become a taxi driver in the UK with a full European Economic Area driving licence.
Step 4: You can pay for a background check.
You need to be a fit and proper person to become a taxi driver in the UK.The Disclosure and Barring Service performs enhanced background and character checks on prospective taxi drivers.The cost of a background check is around $60.You cannot order a check for yourself.Your local council will probably ask you to pay for an enhanced check as part of your application.
Step 5: To make sure you meet the standards, get a medical exam.
A doctor will check a variety of bodily functions to make sure that you are able to safely operate a car.You include your vision, hearing, reaction time, muscle control, and memory.If you are in London, ask your doctor to give you a diagnostic battery.It's a good idea to make sure your local council requires a medical exam before you get one.Anyone who can drive a car with or without reasonable accommodations is eligible to become a taxi driver.There is a list of permissible accommodations for applying for a taxi driver's license.
Step 6: Request a copy of the application from the local government.
Cities, counties, and regions have their own applications for taxi drivers.If you want to download or pick up a paper copy of the application, you need to find the correct website or address.You might have to pay an application fee.If you have to pay for the background and medical exams, other areas will do it for you.
Step 7: If you live in London, you can register your application online.
The application to become a taxi driver in London is available online.Your name, contact information, a complete employment and residence history, and a photo of you will be requested by the application.Even if your application is accepted, it will cost you £120 to submit it.To be considered eligible for the knowledge exam, your application must be accepted.
Step 8: If necessary, take a taxi driving theory.
In Northern Ireland, for instance, you have to take theory and knowledge of driving tests to get a special taxi license.This can include a supervised practical component.If this is necessary, check with your local council.This isn't the same as an area knowledge exam.Driving tests like the one required by Northern Ireland are part of your taxi driving license application process and check your ability to operate a vehicle safely.
Step 9: Explore and memorize routes to study for the exam.
The Blue Book is the definitive guide to memorize the routes in London.Depending on the intensity of the exam, other cities may have different study guides for you to use.It takes 3-4 years to prepare for the All-London "Knowledge." Other local and suburban knowledge exams take less time.The taxi exam in London is considered to be the most rigorous in the world.If they are offered, take self-assessments and practice tests.
Step 10: If you need structure to study, attend a London taxi school.
The London Knowledge has led to the creation of many different schools for future taxi drivers.You can improve your chances of passing the exam by attending one.There are many schools, including Knowledge Point School and The London Knowledge School.These programs cost between £25 and £50 per month, and can last as long as you need to study for both the written and oral components.
Step 11: Register for the exam.
When your application was accepted, your local council will send you a form that will allow you to register for the exam.Depending on your location, you may have to register online or in person.You should schedule the exam far in advance so you have time to review it.The written and oral parts of the knowledge exam in London cost more than others.
Step 12: The local council has a written knowledge exam.
You have to take an exam with 100 questions about the local area in Bristol.You need to score over 60 in order to pass the exam in London.Within 2 years of receiving your introductory packet, you have to take the initial written London Knowledge exam.The All-London certification requires a second suburbs knowledge test.
Step 13: If you are in London, you should go through theAppearances process.
One-on-one oral exams will measure your recall of routes and your ability to design the fastest route in your head over the course of a year or two.You can book these through your local council.You will be graded on the questions you are asked.It usually takes 4 meetings to get you to one stage.For each stage there must be a set number of appearances.In the first stage, this is 56 days, followed by 28 days and then 21 days.
Step 14: Contact your city or county's council to find out the registration criteria.
Some cities have more strict criteria than others.The only criteria for the UK is that the vehicle have no more than 8 seats.Other requirements may include the number of seatbelts.You will need to purchase taxi insurance and have a vehicle inspection.
Step 15: If it's necessary, take an emissions test.
In London, all vehicles presented for licensing must be zero emissions capable.Documentation will be required for your vehicle inspection, and you will have to pay for the emissions test.You can find a map for the closest testing location at www.gov.uk/publications/specialist-schemes-testing-station-map.It will cost around £25 to take the test.If your car does not pass the emissions test, you will either have to get a new car or join a fleet.
Step 16: The maximum age of your car is provided by your region.
Cars older than 15 years old are not allowed to become taxi vehicles in London.The model year of your car is listed in your vehicle registration.If your car is too old, you will either have to buy a newer one or join a fleet.
Step 17: The locale has a list of vehicle requirements.
The famous all-black requirement is one of the conditions of fitness that all taxis in London must meet.The make and model of the car may be restricted.Many of the UK's cities follow the same guidelines.If you want to make sure you have everything in order before your inspection, you can ask a mechanic to take a look.If you are missing anything, you will have to pay to add or repair it.
Step 18: You should have a taxi meter in your car.
You will need a taxi meter and the ability to accept card and electronic payments, as well as print receipts.You can buy this equipment from taxi supply companies.You will have to present the certificates at the vehicle inspection after installation.
Step 19: If you have to, book your taxi vehicle inspection.
To get an inspection appointment in London, you will need to register online or call 0343 222 5555.Instructions for booking an inspection will be provided by your local government if you provide the taxi registration information.You need to double check that you have all of the documentation.Your vehicle registration, insurance certificate, emission declaration, and road tax receipts are examples of appropriate documents.For easy access, these documents should be in a file folder.You can access your TfL online account.
Step 20: If you do not own a vehicle, join a fleet.
By joining a fleet, you will be able to rent a vehicle for a small monthly fee, which will allow you to skip the maintenance and upkeep costs, as well as the strict regulations your vehicle would have to abide by in order to become certified in the first place.