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Occupational
Outlook Handbook
- Limousine Drivers, Taxi Drivers
Credit to:
The Bureau of Labor Statistics, an agency within the U.S. Department of
Labor.
Significant Points
*Taxi drivers and chauffeurs can work all schedules, including full-time,
part-time, night, evening, and weekend work.
*Job opportunities will be good because replacement needs are high(many
people work in these jobs for short periods.
*Many taxi drivers and chauffeurs like the independent, unsupervised work
of driving their automobile.
Nature of the Work
Anyone who has been in a large city knows the importance of taxi and limousine
service. Taxi drivers, also known as cab drivers, help passengers get
to and from their homes, workplaces, and recreational pursuits such as
dining, entertainment, and shopping. They also help out-of-town business
people and tourists get around in new surroundings.
At the start of their driving shift, taxi drivers usually report to a
taxicab service or garage where they are assigned a vehicle, most frequently
a large, conventional automobile modified for commercial passenger transport.
They record their name, work date, and cab identification number on a
trip sheet. Drivers check the cab’s fuel and oil levels, and make
sure the lights, brakes, and windshield wipers are in good working order.
Drivers adjust rear and side mirrors and their seat for comfort. Any equipment
or part not in good working order is reported to the dispatcher or company
mechanic.
Chauffeurs operate limousines, vans, and private cars for limousine companies,
private businesses, government agencies, and wealthy individuals. This
service differs from taxi service in that all trips are prearranged. Many
chauffeurs transport customers in large vans between hotels and airports,
bus, or train terminals. Others drive luxury automobiles, such as limousines,
to business events, entertainment venues, and social events. Still others
provide full-time personal transportation for wealthy families and private
companies.
Working Conditions
Taxi drivers and chauffeurs occasionally have to load and unload heavy
luggage and packages. Driving for long periods can be tiring and uncomfortable,
especially in densely populated urban areas. Drivers must be alert to
conditions on the road, especially in heavy and congested traffic or in
bad weather. They must take precautions to prevent accidents and avoid
sudden stops, turns, and other driving maneuvers that would jar passengers.
Taxi drivers also risk robbery because they work alone and often carry
large amounts of cash.
Training, Other
Qualifications, and Advancement
Local governments set license standards and requirements for taxi drivers
and chauffeurs that include minimum qualifications for driving experience
and training. Many taxi and limousine companies set higher standards than
required by law. It is common for companies to review applicants’
medical, credit, criminal, and driving records. In addition, many companies
require a higher minimum age and prefer that drivers be high school graduates
The majority of taxi drivers and chauffeurs are called “lease drivers.”
Lease drivers pay a daily, weekly, or monthly fee to the company allowing
them to lease their vehicle. In the case of limousines, leasing also allows
the driver access to the company’s dispatch system. The fee may also
include a charge for vehicle maintenance, insurance, and a deposit on
the vehicle. Lease drivers may take their cars home with them when they
are not on duty.
Job Outlook
Persons seeking jobs as taxi drivers and chauffeurs should encounter good
opportunities. Many job openings will occur each year as drivers transfer
to other occupations or leave the labor force. However, opportunities
for drivers vary greatly in terms of earnings, work hours, and working
conditions, depending on economic and regulatory conditions. Opportunities
should be best for persons with good driving records and the ability to
work flexible schedules.
Credit to:
The Bureau of Labor Statistics, an agency within the U.S. Department of
Labor.
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