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Car Driver

Also known as Driver and Limousine Driver.

Car drivers transport passengers to their destinations.

TASKS

Car drivers may perform the following tasks:

pick up passengers at designated locations or when hailed and transport them to their desired destinations
use mobile computer systems and radio networks to access waiting passenger information
check passenger destinations and determine the most appropriate route
receive money or credit payments for fares and give required change
assist passengers with the handling of luggage
keep accurate records of driver shifts, income and expenses
arrange regular repairs, general maintenance and cleaning of vehicles

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

high-level driving skills
able to meet age restrictions
able to work long or irregular hours
good communication skills
able to remain calm in difficult situations
neat personal appearance

Good Outlook for this career!

Interest Area

SPECIALISATIONS

Taxi Driver - drives cars licensed as taxis to transport passengers for a fare that is calculated on a taxi meter. Taxi drivers usually work shifts, which involves day, evening and weekend work. Taxi drivers have constant contact with the public. They must provide a service that meets the standards of government regulatory authorities and the taxi network for which they drive.

Chauffeur/Public Hire Vehicle Driver - drives cars to transport personnel and visitors on behalf of hire car companies, businesses, government or other organisations. Some families employ a chauffeur and this work usually entails other duties, such as running errands. When driving dignitaries, chauffeurs/public hire vehicle drivers must be aware of, and follow, security procedures.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

You can work as a car driver without formal qualifications but you will need to obtain a specific licence.

To become an authorised taxi driver in NSW, applicants must complete the TaxiCare Plus training course through a registered taxi driver training school, and pass the examinations set by the training school and the Department of Transport. Contact Transport for NSW for further information on the taxi driver training course and for details about training providers in NSW.

To become a taxi driver in the ACT, you must successfully complete an approved taxi driver training course from a Registered Training Organisation. Contact Canberra Elite-Aerial Capital Group or the Transport and Logistics Industry Skills Council for more information.

Additional Information

To apply for a taxi licence in NSW, you must be at least 20 years old, hold a current full NSW drivers licence and have held a valid Australian drivers licence for at least 12 months. You will be required to complete an English competency test and a health check. A National Police Check is also required.

To apply for a taxi licence in the ACT, you must be at least 20 years old and have held an Australian drivers licence for at least three years. A medical check and a National Police Check are also required.

To apply for a chauffeur/public hire vehicle licence in NSW, applicants must be at least 20 years old, hold a current full NSW drivers licence and have held a valid Australian drivers licence for at least 12 months. You will need to undergo a medical assessment and a National Police Check.

Those in country areas should contact their local taxi network.

To apply for a chauffeur/public hire vehicle licence in the ACT, you must be at least 20 years old and have held a full Australian drivers licence for at least 12 months. You will need to undergo a medical assessment and a National Police Check. You must also pass a driving test through a Road Transport Authority approved body.

To become eligible to drive a wheelchair accessible taxi, drivers may need to undertake further training in the use of special equipment and the particular needs of people in wheelchairs.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Taxi drivers work for taxi companies or for themselves. Most taxi owners drive their own taxis and have drivers who work the other available shifts. Taxi drivers usually pay the taxi owner a rental, which can be a flat rate or a percentage of the fares received. Taxi drivers must have an Australian Business Number (ABN) and be registered for GST.

As a taxi driver you can select your own hours or work part time to suit your lifestyle. However, the demand for taxi services varies at different times of the day and throughout the year.

Chauffeurs/public hire vehicle drivers work for government departments, hotels and private hire car companies. Self-employed chauffeurs/public hire vehicle drivers are often subcontracted to private companies.