• Taxi Driver/Chauffeur Job Description

    A taxi driver/chauffeur is a person who makes a living by driving people from place to place in a vehicle. Their job is an alternative to an office job, and may be lively and exciting, as they are always on the road, meeting and interacting with new faces. Their job may also be trying at times because of the abuse and insults they may receive from certain passengers, who may also refuse to pay their fares.

    A taxi driver/chauffeur should know their way around their city so as to drive passengers to their destinations safely and on time. They should be able to maintain good driving concentration for long periods. When they pick new visitors to their city, they should be honest and friendly, and provide the visitors with helpful information about the city. They should not be garrulous so as not to bore their clients with excessive and pointless talks.

    Pursue a career as a taxi driver if you enjoy driving and meeting new people. You should be a careful person who can be comfortable sitting and working alone for long periods.
  • What does a Taxi Driver/Chauffeur do?

    Taxi drivers/Chauffeurs may do some or all of the following:

    • drive a car, van, limousine or luxury vehicles
    • Pick up passengers and drive them to their destinations
    • help passengers load and unload luggage on or from their vehicle’s boot
    • open doors for passengers
    • calculate fares, collect fares and give change
    • check their vehicle’s condition, and perform maintenance and basic repairs
    • follow all traffic laws and other safety procedures while driving
    • keep record of rides, fares collected and expenses made
  • Where does a Taxi Driver/Chauffeur work?
  • Working Conditions

    Taxi drivers/chauffeurs may work shifts or be on call if they are employed by a family or an organization. If they are self-employed, they usually work more flexible hours, as they set their working hours themselves.

    Taxi drivers/chauffeurs spend much of their time seated inside their cars driving in all weather conditions. Their job can be dangerous, as they are always meeting and dealing with strangers and also traveling alone and in isolated areas. Driving in heavy traffic and bad weather can be stressful.

  • What is Required to Become a Taxi Driver/Chauffeur?

    There are no formal educational requirements to become a taxi driver/chauffeur. Taxi drivers/chauffeurs will need a driver’s license to be permitted to drive. To be qualified for a driver’s license in some countries, drivers will be required to be of a certain age, pass a medical test and obtain a police clearance.

  • Modules
  • Specializations
  • Knowledge, Skills and Attributes

    Taxi drivers/Chauffeurs need to have:

    • patience
    • adaptability
    • quick reflexes
    • cautiousness
    • courteousness
    • dependability
    • physical stamina
    • good eyesight and hearing
    • good memory
    • good hand-eye coordination
    • good listening and communication skills
    • good judgment and problem solving skills
    • numerical and negotiating skills
    • clean driving record and good driving skills
    • stress management skills
    • the ability to use and trust their instincts
    • the ability to relate to people from different cultures and background
    • the ability to read and understand maps
    • the ability to concentrate for long periods
    • the ability to be comfortable sitting for long periods
    • the ability to be comfortable working alone for long periods
    • the ability to learn and apply new knowledge
    • the ability to maintain composure when dealing with disrespectful and abusive passengers
    • knowledge of safety regulations and traffic laws
    • knowledge of non verbal communication
    • knowledge of basic vehicle repair and maintenance
    • knowledge of emergency procedures

References

  • indeed.com: Chauffeur
  • CareerBuilder: Chauffeur
  • Simply Hired: Chauffeur
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