If you’ve ever thought about becoming a black cab driver then below is a guide to help you get started.
Getting a licence
The first step you’ll need to take in order to become a black cab driver is to obtain the correct licence.
Since black cabs are public hire vehicles, meaning they can pick up fares from the street, you’ll need to apply for a public hire taxi driver’s licence.
The requirements for a public hire licence will vary depending on the council you’re applying to. Typically you’ll need to meet a number of requirements, including being fit enough to work and being of good character.
Getting a taxi
You’ll of course need a taxi in order to work too. It’s important to know that if you want to become a black cab driver in London then you’ll need to get a Zero Emission Capable (ZEC) vehicle due to the new emission guidelines that came into effect from the beginning of 2018.
Getting insurance
In order to work as a taxi driver you’ll also need to have the right type of insurance. A black cab insurance policy will typically include cover for road risks as well as public liability claims. You can also get additional types of cover such as breakdown assistance and windscreen repair.
Keeping the cost of your insurance down
Black cab insurance can be fairly expensive so it’s a good idea to take any steps you can to reduce the cost. Below are some good ways to do this –
- Get a lot of quotes – Getting quotes from different taxi insurance providers is a very good way to ensure that you don’t overspend on black cab insurance. There are many excellent sites that enable you to get quotes very easily so you can compare them and pick the best one.
- Make your cab secure – You should also take any steps you can to make your cab more secure if you want to keep costs down. This means parking it securely when not in use and also taking measures such as installing in-cabin CCTV and using a dash cam.
- Pay upfront – If you’re able to pay for your insurance on an annual basis rather than monthly then most insurance providers will offer you a good discount on the total cost of the policy for doing this. Always be sure to push for the best deal you can get.