Work of taxi driver ~interviewing a real taxi driver~

Whenever we are exhausted and don’t want to go somewhere by ourselves, there is always one option that will help us: a taxi. But have you ever wondered how taxi drivers work and why they are working as taxi drivers? Today, we will explore this using existing information and interviews with taxi drivers working in the Philippines. Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

How to be a taxi driver

1. Meet the basic requirement

・Age: Most countries require you to be at least 21 years old to be a taxi driver

・Driver’s license: You must have a valid driver’s license. Some countries may require you to have held the license for a certain number of years (e.g., 2-3 years) with a clean driving record.

2. Get a special license

・Many countries or cities require taxi drivers to obtain a special license, known as a chauffeur’s license, taxi driver’s license, or private hire vehicle (PHV) license.

Written test
knowledge of the area
driving test

3. Complete background checks

・Criminal background check/health check: These checks are no different from those required for other jobs.

4. Obtain Vehicle Requirements

・Obtain a taxi: You might need to own a vehicle that meets taxi regulations. The car usually needs to be insured as a commercial vehicle.

5. Consider Working for a Taxi Company or Becoming an Independent

・Taxi company: joining the established company will make the process simpler because the company often handles the vehicle, insurance, and paperwork.

・independent driver: If you want more flexibility, you can become an independent driver. This may require you to acquire your own taxi license, which can be expensive in some cities.

Duties of taxi driver

Passenger transportation: Transport passengers, route planning, assisting passengers to ride on the vehicle
Safety and compliance: Safe driving. vehicle maintenance, Licensing and Documentation
Customer service: Communication, Handling Payments, Handling Complaints
Knowledge of local area: Navigation, Traffic Awareness
Safety of passengers: Protect Passengers’ Well-being and safety During Emergencies
Managing schedules: Working Long Hours, Time Management
Handling Special Requests: Stopping at multiple locations, carrying pets, providing assistance for disabled passengers
Maintaining Cleanliness

Salary of taxi driver in each country

United States: $30,000 – $40,000

United Kingdom: $27,000 – $33,000

Canada: $19,000 – $26,000

Australia: $25,000 – $32,000

Germany: $21,000 – $32,000

Japan: $17,000 – $24,000

India: $1,800 – $3,600

Philippines: $2,700 – $4,500

The average salary and the cost of living are also very low in India and the Philippines. This might be a reason why the salary of taxi drivers in India and the Philippines is very low compared to the other six countries. Also, in countries like India and the Philippines, many people are not able to go to university due to financial problems. So most of the taxi drivers are less educated, which is also a reason why their salary is very low.

The graph on the left shows the common degree for taxi drivers in the world. Since being a taxi driver doesn’t need any specific degree, especially country where education is not usual for everyone, many people who couldn’t get a higher education tend to be taxi drivers.

Interviewing taxi driver in the Philippines

Interview in the taxi

I am Robert Pontyu. I am a taxi driver in Cagayan de Oro. I started doing this job when I was 39 years old, and it has been 18 years since I started driving taxis. My favourite artist is Bryan Adams

Who are you?

I am Robert Pontyu. I am a taxi driver in Cagayan de Oro. I’ve been doing this job from 39 years old and it is 18 years since I started driving a taxi. My favourite artist is Bryan Adams.

Why do you work as a taxi driver?

I work for my family. I have kids, and it is my job to serve food on our dining table every night. The salary is very low, but I am trying my best. Also, I don’t think I am unfortunate about my low salary. Many people cannot even get jobs to survive, especially when they are less educated like me. It is much more difficult to work in a stable job consistently. So I am fortunate and thank the Lord. My family was very poor, so I was not able to get a higher education. However, I have been able to work as a taxi driver for 18 years, have a warm family, and make sure my children are educated. I feel too blessed with my environment.

Tell me about your job

I usually work from 6 am to 8 pm. There are no Saturdays or Sundays for me, but it is okay. I’ve been driving around this city for 16 hours every day for 18 years, so I understand every route and landmark of this city. I think driving a taxi is fun, but it’s also a very responsible job. It is very hard to drive and bring people safely to their destinations. Even though I’ve been driving for customers for 18 years, I don’t get used to it, and I think I should not get used to it.

What is your dream?

My dream is to have my car.