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Getting work driving a Taxi in Dublin

  • 08-06-2012 4:18am
    #1
    JSP
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 75 ✭✭


    Is it very difficult to become qualified and licensed to drive a taxi in Dublin? And after licensing, is it difficult to get hired?
    Thanks in advance


Comments

  • #2
    tatli_lokma
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,332 ✭✭✭tatli_lokma


    Its not particularly difficult to become qualified - you need to have a full licence and then apply for a PSV licence and pass the test (test €85, licence itself if you pass €250). After that, you need a taxi plate and a car that meets the criteria (I believe a new law states that new taxi's must be no older than 3 years old, but I may be wrong) and a meter, printer and roof sign (at least around €600). You also need public service vehicle insurance. If you prefer you can for go the roof sign and meter and work as a hackney.

    When you say 'hired' I assume you mean a taxi company hires you as a driver? If you have all of the above you can get 'hired' relatively easy, but you won't be getting a set wage. Most taxi firms operate on the basis that you pay them for the radio etc. I think some companies do employ drivers and provide a car, but not many - mainly because they don't need to, as there are plenty of taxi drivers with their own car. You can also 'cosy' which is rent a car and a plate, and then you work for yourself.

    You do realise that the taxi industry is on its knees - despite what some loudmouth taxi drivers claim. Many in the industry are just scraping by. Many people driving taxis have some form of second income because they simply wouldn't manage on the income from taxiing alone. Others put in a 50-60 hour week to get enough money to live on. Its a really tough industry out there now, so you should really give it serious thought before spending a lot of money. Having said that, sitting the test only costs €85 so its worth a punt and then if you pass you can decide what to do.


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