Taxicab Drivers operate specially-equipped automobiles to transport passengers, called fares, for a fee. They pick up passengers in response to two-way radio messages relayed by a dispatcher or when flagged or approached by persons on the street. Some Taxicab Drivers make arrangements to pick up a particular customer or group, such as handicapped persons and children, on a regular schedule. They also cruise around busy places such as hotels; bus, railroad, and airport terminals; and civic arenas in search of customers.  

NATURE OF THE OCCUPATION

Taxicab Drivers may:  

Collect the proper fees from customers and make change  

Record the pickup point and destination of each fare and the amount of each fee  

Report to the taxicab company by radio or telephone  

Assist persons in and out of taxicabs  

Handle luggage  

Transport handicappers to and from work or school  

Pick up and deliver packages  

Clean the taxicab and make minor adjustments  

Provide sightseeing tours for out-of-town visitors  

The tools and equipment used may include:  

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Taxicab Drivers may specialize in these areas:  

913.663-010 CHAUFFEURS are employed by private individuals, and commercial and industrial businesses. They may follow a regular routine or work orders. Those working in domestic services may have duties beyond driving, such as cleaning the cars and making minor repairs or adjustments.  

913.463-018 TAXI DRIVERS operate cars to carry passengers for a fee. They pick up passengers in response to radio or telephone requests for service. Drivers in large cities may drive around busy areas and watch for potential customers, or they may wait at hotels, bus terminals, and other busy locations.  

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:  

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Taxicab Drivers work with little or no supervision. They drive in all kinds of weather and often in heavy traffic. Because of the nature of this occupation, they also face some danger of being attacked or robbed.  

Generally, full-time Taxicab Drivers work between 40 and 72 hours per week. Most Drivers work between 6 A.M. and 8 P.M. to be available for passengers going to and from work. Some Drivers work nights, starting between 3 and 5 P.M. Some work weekends, and holidays. They usually do not receive overtime pay. Many Drivers work shifts, especially in large cities.  

Many Taxicab Drivers are either employed by or rent their cabs from a taxi company. Others are self-employed, owning their own cabs and paying the company a service fee for such things as the use of the company's name.  

Chauffeurs are usually required to wear a uniform. However, the employer may pay the cost.  

Some Taxicab Drivers belong to a union, such as the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Chauffeurs, Warehousemen and Helpers of America and pay dues.  

You Should Prefer:  

• Work which involves business contact with people  

• Work that is routine and organized  

• Work that involves constant sitting and driving  

You Should Be Able To:  

• Make minor repairs or change flat tires if necessary  

• Deal tactfully and courteously with all types of people  

• Record the required information about each transaction accurately  

• Make change quickly and correctly  

• Maintain control of the taxicab at all times  

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:  

If a customer rode a taxicab for 15 miles at $.25 a mile and gave the taxicab driver $20.00, how much was the taxi ride and how much change should the customer receive?  

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:  

Should be able to read and comprehend map information including keys, legends, route specifications, street names, and city names.  

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:  

Prepare a form documenting a mechanical problem with the taxicab and requesting a repair job.  

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:  

Should be able to demonstrate analytical skills and be detail oriented in locating various areas and transporting individuals to a requested destination.  

Taxicab Drivers are usually required to have a special "P.V." or Public Vehicle license issued by the local police, safety department, or public utilities commission. This license costs $5 and is paid for by the driver. Applicants must have good driving records, and good health, be at least 18 years old, and have not been convicted of a serious crime. In addition, Drivers must pass a test on such things as street locations, accident reports, and various laws, regulations, and rules related to taxicab driving.  

Chauffeurs and Taxicab Drivers must also have a valid, state-issued chauffeur's license. Applicants must be 18 or older; pass a written exam, vision test, and practical driving test; not be addicted to alcohol or other controlled substances; and not have condition that may impair their driving.  

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma may qualify a person for this occupation.  

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:  

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***  

0300 AUTOMOTIVE , 0600 BUSINESS , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1100 ECONOMICS , 1800 HEALTH & HEALTH CAREERS , 2200 MATH  

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***  

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this MOIScript  

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***  

There are no Postsecondary Programs related to this MOIScript

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program  

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***  

There are no Apprenticeships related to this MOIScript  

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***  

Please check the Military website at http://www.myfuture.com  

VEHICLE DRIVERS  

The military uses numerous vehicles to transport its troops, equipment, and supplies. Together, the services own and operate about 50,000 heavy trucks and buses. Vehicle drivers operate all types of heavy military vehicles. They drive fuel or water tank trucks, semi-tractor trailers, heavy troop transports, and passenger buses.  

What They Do  

Vehicle drivers in the military perform some or all of the following duties:  

• Read travel instructions to determine travel routes, arrival dates, and types of cargo  

• Make sure vehicles are loaded properly  

• Check oil, fuel and other fluid levels, and tire pressure  

• Drive vehicles over all types of roads, traveling alone or in convoys  

• Keep records of mileage driven and fuel and oil used  

• Wash vehicles and perform routine maintenance and repairs  

Helpful Attributes  

Helpful school courses include driver education. Helpful attributes include:  

• Interest in driving  

• Interest in mechanics  

Work Environment  

Vehicle driving involves long periods of sitting. Drivers sometimes must change heavy tires.  

Training Provided  

Job training consists of 7 to 8 weeks of classroom instruction, including practice in driving trucks. Course content typically includes:  

• Accident prevention  

• Safety check procedures  

• International road signs  

• Basic vehicle maintenance  

The Army and the Marine Corps offer certified apprenticeship programs for one specialty in this occupation.  

Physical Demands  

Normal color vision is required to read road maps.  

Civilian Counterparts  

Civilian vehicle drivers work for trucking companies, moving companies, bus companies, and businesses with their own delivery fleets. They perform duties similar to military vehicle drivers. They must specialize as tractor-trailer truck drivers, tank truck drivers, heavy truck drivers, or bus drivers.  

Opportunities  

The services have about 17,400 vehicle drivers. On average, they need about 2,000 new vehicle drivers each year. After job training, truck drivers are assigned to motor pools or motor transport units. They generally work without close supervision. In time, vehicle drivers may advance to supervisory positions assisting in the management of motor transport units.    

E-Learning Courses and Programs  

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Many part-time positions are available at taxicab companies for people who meet the requirements. Experience may be gained in military service also.  

School-to-Work opportunities include:  

informal apprenticeships  

mentorships  

job shadowing experiences  

touring a local Taxicab Driver employer  

internships  

volunteer work with a Taxicab Driver employer  

community service work with an agency  

The most common way of getting a Taxi Driver job is to apply directly to a local taxicab company. Many companies have on-the-job training for new Drivers. Individuals may also consult newspaper want ads or an office of Michigan Works!. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Michigan Talent Bank  

America's Job Bank  

Classifieds Employment  

Yahoo! Careers  

MONSTER.COM  

Michigan Works!  

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.  

EARNINGS AND  ADVANCEMENT  

Earnings of Taxi Drivers vary according to geographic location and the Driver's personal efforts. Drivers who are employed by cab companies usually earn 40-50% of their daily receipts. Most are guaranteed a daily minimum salary by their employers. Drivers who rent or lease their cabs from the company keep receipts beyond rental and gasoline expenses. In addition, Taxicab Drivers often receive tips ranging from 10 to 25% of an individual fare.  

Nationally, the median earnings of Taxicab Drivers and Chauffeurs were about $386 per week in 1998. Most earned between $206 and $600 per week.  

In the Detroit metropolitan area, most Taxi Drivers leased their vehicles from taxicab companies and earned the amount taken in after the lease and upkeep expenses (gas, oil) were deducted (mid 1999). The lease expense was approximately $36-$42 for 12 hours and $55-$72 for 24 hours, although rates may vary between companies.  

Most Chauffeurs' earnings are hard to determine because wages are negotiated on an individual basis. Limited data for Michigan indicates that annual salaries range from $21,600 to $34,600 in 1999.  

Fringe benefits depend on the employer. Many Taxicab Drivers do not have the fringe benefits of other workers. They usually do not receive pensions or severance pay. Some private employers provide living quarters and meals for Chauffeurs.  

Opportunities for advancement are limited by the small number of supervisory positions available. Promotion to the job of dispatcher is often the possibility. Some Drivers have become road supervisors, garage superintendents, or claims agents. A few develop administrative skills and advance to managerial positions. Other Drivers buy and operate their own cabs as a way to increase their income. However, many Drivers report little or no advantage to owning their own cabs. Wages are better and steadier when working for a taxicab company. A possible career ladder for a Taxi Driver may be: Taxicab Driver; dispatcher; garage superintendent; own business.  

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, about 106,300 Taxicab Drivers and Chauffeurs were employed in 1996. Employment of Taxicab Drivers and Chauffeurs is projected to increase more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2006. In addition to openings resulting from growth, some openings are expected each year as workers retire, die, or transfer to other lines of work. About 32.0% of them were self-employed. The industry distribution for Taxicab Drivers and Chauffeurs looked like this:  

There are about 2,375 Taxicab Drivers and Chauffeurs employed in Michigan. Most of them worked in urban areas and were employed by taxicab companies, funeral homes, private individuals, organizations, and hotels.  

Employment of Taxicab Drivers in Michigan is expected to grow as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2005. An average of 60 annual openings is projected, with 40 due to growth and 20 due to replacement of workers who retire, die, or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as workers transfer to other lines of work.  

Many Taxicab Drivers are temporary employees. Some work to earn money until they finish school or find the occupation they want. Others work only in the winter and return to seasonal, outdoor work when spring arrives. Still others work to earn money for a special purpose, such as a vacation. These work patterns result in a large turnover in taxicab driving jobs.  

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2005  

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.  

MOISCRIPTS are Copyright 2003, Michigan Department of Career Development