How to Become a Freelance Taxi Driver

What qualifications and training do I need to become a taxi driver?

You will of course need to hold a full and valid UK driving license in order to become a taxi driver.

You’ll also need a taxi driver’s licence which can be obtained either from your local council, or Transport for London if working inside the capital.

As well as this, you may need to complete:

• DBS checks
• A driving skills assessment
• An area knowledge test
• Medical tests
• An English language assessment

For insurance purposes, it might also be worth considering taking additional driving courses, such as hazardous driving training or an advanced driving course. This can help to decrease your insurance costs.

What skills do I need to become a taxi driver?

There are many skills that will be useful to anyone wanting to become a taxi driver, for example:

• Good communication
• Being punctual
• Being able to work under pressure
• Good navigational skills

Benefits of becoming a freelance taxi driver

The freedom and flexibility that comes with being self-employed are certainly at the top of the list for many people when they make the decision to become their own boss.

You get to choose the jobs you want to take on and can also work the hours you want to do, making it ideal for creating a good work/life balance that we all strive for.

Read our Permanent vs Contracting page for more information on the benefits of working for yourself.

Do I need an accountant?

Having an accountant can really be a great asset to your business – not only will they help you to keep on top of your financial liabilities and deadlines, but they’ll also be able to provide you with useful financial advice that you might not otherwise be aware of.

It’s vital that you hire an accountant that can offer you everything you need – here are a few things to take into consideration when looking for a good accountant:

• Do they specialise in contractor tax? It’s really important that you hire an accountant who specialises in working with contractors – there will be a number of legislations and taxes that will only apply to your situation and so it’s vital that your accountant understands this area in order to advise and help you properly.
• Are they qualified? An accountant isn’t required by law to have qualifications, but it might give you peace of mind knowing that they do have them.
• Do they have a fixed monthly amount? You shouldn’t assume that every accountant works on a fixed monthly fee. Check that their package is inclusive of everything you need for your business, such as tax returns, VAT returns and payroll. Read about the services we offer here.
• Have they got a good reputation? Do your research and find an accountant that has a good reputation and can be trusted.

For more help and information on this read our Choosing a Contractor Accountant page.

If you’d like to sign up or need any further information, please give us a call on 01442 795 100 or you can email jaime.thorpe@dolanaccountancy.com. There’s also the option to contact us via live chat.