If you have a light schedule and are thinking of making some extra money, becoming a part-time taxi driver is one of the best jobs you can find. All you need is a valid driving license and the right attitude.
There are indeed many advantages to being a temporary driver. Let’s start with the fact that you get to be your own boss, which means you decide when and how much you’re going to work. Being fully responsible for your income gives you a choice if you opt for a full-time shift or want to have the day off. You also get to meet a lot of interesting people and spend time talking with numerous individuals. It sounds like a chilled job, doesn’t it?
If you don’t know how to start, we can give you a hand. Below, you can find some helpful tips on how to start a part-time driver career.
Use Convenient Apps
When starting work as a driver, you have some options, do you want to work for a taxi agency or prefer to be more independent. That’s why instead of an old-fashioned taxi company (which often gets to be overpriced according to clients), you should rely on handy transport applications that most people currently have.
Using the Lyft app or Uber is significant facilitation nowadays. First of all, it’s a trendy means of transport, so do not worry about the demand, people use these apps all the time. Second of all, it’s very user-friendly! You only need to have a driving license, meet the age requirements, get familiar with the business’ policy, pass the vehicle video inspection and have valid car insurance. Once you get through this, you can create a driver account and start making money.
If you don’t have a car, It’s not an issue. There are many car-sharing platforms that can help with that for a specific fee; you can rent an unused vehicle from its owner and hit the road.
Do you want to know how much you earn? Both apps have the same policy when it comes to money, Uber explains it very clearly, “The money you make driving with the Uber app depends on when, where, and how often you drive. Find out how your fares are calculated and learn about promotions, which can help increase your earnings.”
Get a License
If you prefer to work in a regular Taxi-driving business, you need to check the recruitment requirements. Most companies have specific policies, such as a clean driving record, 21 years old as a minimum age to start, and a taxi driver’s (or “hack”) license. So, if you’re interested in working in a particular cab driving company, get ready for some additional recruitment demands. In this case, you should contact the local Department of Motor Vehicles and ask for the licensing information.
Skills Are Needed
Having a driving license is not enough to become a reliable employee. Working as a taxi driver demands several skills, definitely not the ones you’ve seen in Fast and Furious movies! Remember that safety comes first. While driving, you’re not only responsible for yourself but also for other people who often breathe down your neck. Compliance with road traffic rules is a must.
Moreover, nobody asks you to learn the city’s streets by heart, but you have to be able to read from a map quickly and correctly. Many customers are in a rush; once you get mistaken with the road, they can make a complaint that will throw shade on your reputation.
Last but not least, good vision and hand-eye coordination. It doesn’t matter how well you drive; there is a lot of potential danger on the road. Always have a limited trust of other cars and pedestrians.
Plan Your Schedule Well
Becoming your own boss has its pros and cons. It’s good to be free and flexible with your job, but also it makes it much harder to find motivation. That’s why you should prepare your weekly or monthly goals and track them every day. Establish a sum of money you need to earn, divide it for working hours, and start the engine. The more cash you make, the more you can spend.
Also, following the schedule will keep you more organized and manage your time better. Once you’re done with work, you can simply enjoy your free time without feeling guilty.
The Bottom Line
Being a part-time taxi driver is an excellent way for an extra income; however, it’s also a big responsibility. You should feel totally focused while driving and always be polite to the customers, and that sometimes can be quite challenging.
There are many drunk people ordering taxis, trying to discuss controversial topics, or simply being rude. Whatever they do, remember that you’re not anonymous while driving. Always stay polite and keep control over the way you drive.
Hopefully, the tips listed above will help you start your part-time career and make some additional money. Good luck!
