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How to Become a Cab/Taxi Driver in India?
Being a taxi driver in India comes with its perks. You can have flexible working hours as you deem fit, and it does not require formal education. In other words, it allows you to be your boss.
To become a cab or taxi driver in India, you must have proper certification and training and meet certain requirements. This may vary slightly depending on the state or city you wish to work in. Upon clearing the process, you can work for a taxi company or drive your taxi.
So, if you are among the ones looking for “how to become a cab/taxi driver”, you have come to the right place.
Without further ado, let’s dive in to understand how to become a private hire taxi driver.
How to Become a Taxi/Cab Driver If You Own a Car?
If you own a car, you can drive it and provide taxi services in India. However, it requires you to meet a few requirements.
1. Education
In India, you must pass the 8th standard to drive any transport vehicle. You need the same to provide cab services on your own.
2. Age
The minimum age for acquiring a driving licence in India is 18. So, you must meet this age mandate to drive your car and provide taxi services.
3. Licence
You need a valid private or commercial driving licence to become a taxi driver in India.
4. Vehicle Certification
In India, you need a vehicle registration and a third-party liability insurance policy to drive your car. The same applies to taxi drivers. You should always carry your driving licence, registration and insurance documents while driving your taxi.
5. Driving Experience
The driver must have a minimum driving experience of 2 years. If not, you must undergo driver training under the cab aggregator for 15 days.
6. Medical Checkup and Verification
You will have to undergo a complete medical examination, the cost of which shall be borne by the Aggregator, and complete police verification.
How to Become a Taxi/Cab Driver If You Don’t Own a Car?
In India, you can become a cab driver even if you don’t own a car. You can work for a company that provides taxi services in the region. In this case, the company will provide the vehicle, however, you need to meet the following criteria:
1. Age
In India, you need to be at least 18 to obtain a car driving licence. The same rule applies in the case of a cab driver as well.
2. Education
You need to have completed your education at least till the 8th standard to drive a taxi in India.
3. Licence
To work for a taxi service provider, you must have a valid private or commercial driving licence mandatorily. In this case, the preference for the required driving licence varies from one company to another.
4. Examination
The company can conduct examinations to test your driving and behavioural skills. Tests cover topics like routes, boundaries, landmarks, customer service, etc. You need to pass those tests accordingly to qualify as a driver for that company.
5. No Felony Conviction
Although it varies from company to company, it is safer not to have any previous felony charges within the past 3 years.
6. No Unpaid Tickets
To qualify as a driver for a taxi service provider, you should not have any unpaid traffic violation tickets.
7. Driving Experience
A minimum driving experience of 2 years is required. If not, you must undertake driver training under the cab aggregator for 15 days.
8. Medical Checkup and Verification
You will also have to undergo a complete medical examination, including eye check-up, etc., the cost of which shall be borne by the Aggregator, and complete police verification.
What Documents are Required to Become a Cab/Taxi Driver in India?
To start as a cab or taxi driver without a car in India, you must have the correct documentation and meet the following criteria:
- Valid Commercial Driving Licence (Yellow Badge); for some Private Driving License also works
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Bank Details (Cancelled Cheque/Passbook)
- Four References (Including Phone Numbers and Addresses)
- Permanent and Current Address Proofs
However, if you own a car and want to drive it under the cab aggregator’s name, you will have to provide the following additional documents:
- Vehicles Registration Certificate
- Vehicle Permit
- Valid Car Insurance Policy Details
- Valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate
You can also visit specific cab aggregator websites like Ola and Uber to know their exact process for working as a driver with them.
Note - These requirements are general and may vary depending on the cab service you choose to drive for.
How to Get Started as a Cab/Taxi Driver?
To get started as a cab or taxi driver with a taxi company, follow the given steps:
1. Sign Up Online
Visit the official website of the cab aggregator you want to work with and go to their Sign-Up page. Provide your contact details and the city you wish to drive in and provide information like if you own a car or not.
2. Share the Required Documents
To set up your account, upload copies of the required documents, as mentioned above in this article.
3. Pass the Test
Depending on the cab company, you must pass the examination and/or driving test and background check before starting as a cab/taxi driver with them.
What are the Rules for Cab/Taxi Drivers in India?
If you are working as a driver with a cab aggregator in India, you have to comply with the following conditions during operations, as per the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines 2020:
- The driver is liable to health insurance by the Aggregator up to ₹5 lakhs and term insurance up to ₹10 lakhs with base year 2020-21, which would be increased by 5% each year.
- The driver cannot work for an aggregate of 12 hours in a day. Upon extending the time limit, drivers are given a mandatory break of 10 hours.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Cab/Taxi Driver?
The duration of becoming a taxi driver depends on several factors, such as:
- Tests (if you are working for a company)
- Private to Commercial Licence Conversion (if required)
- Company Policies (if you are working for a company)
- RTO and State Government Approval
Therefore, we cannot specify exactly how long it takes to become a taxi driver. However, it may take up to 10 working days.
If you wish to buy a car and provide taxi services, and are considering applying for a car loan, ensure checking online car loan EMI calculator to help you with the loan calculations even before applying. Going through this article will help you better understand how to become a cab driver.
What are the Qualities of a Good Cab/Taxi Driver?
Now that you know how to become a cab or taxi driver, let’s find out some attractive traits of a successful cab driver:
- Good Understanding of Traffic Laws
- Customer Service Skills
- Reliability
- Hand-Eye Coordination
- Initiative
- Patience
- Good Communication Skills
Keeping these qualities in mind, you can surely become a successful taxi/cab driver.
Also, remember to secure your cab with taxi insurance to remain financially protected during any mishap or unfortunate event. Having at least a third-party car insurance is mandated by law in India.
What are the Pros and Cons of Working as a Cab/Taxi Driver?
Working as a cab or taxi driver has its fair share of advantages and disadvantages. Let's see what you can expect in becoming a cab/taxi driver:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Flexible Working Hours and Sense of Independence | Long Hours |
| Good Income and Increasing Work Opportunities | Challenging Passengers |
| Minimal Education Requirements | Road Mishaps |
FAQs about Becoming Cab/Taxi Driver in India
Can you bring someone along while driving a cab?
No, as per guidelines for different cab aggregators, no one besides the passenger and passenger guests is allowed in the vehicle.
What is the speed limit for cabs/taxis in India?
The maximum speed limit allowed for taxis and cabs in India is 80 kmph on high-speed stretches. They are also fitted with mandatory Speed Limiting Devices (SLDs) to ensure the driver doesn’t cross the speed limit.
How do cab drivers earn in India?
Cab/taxi drivers earn through the following ways:
- Fixed salary
- Commission-based salary
- Per-trip salary
- Payments from passengers
- Incentives
What qualifications are needed to be a taxi/cab driver in India?
Firstly, a taxi/cab driver needs a valid commercial DL in India. For a commercial license, one must pass a practical driving test and meet the age and health criteria the local transport authority designed. Many states also make training and a Certificate of Competency from accredited institutions mandatory.
Are there any specified health requirements for taxi/cab drivers?
Yes, they are required to attain a certain level of health standards. This could mean undergoing a medical test to prove their physical and mental fitness for driving. It may include tests for vision, hearing, and general physical fitness.
What kind of training is involved for taxi/cab drivers?
While formal training is not always necessary, some areas suggest it or actually require it. Many training programs include instruction on safe driving techniques, vehicle maintenance, and customer service, along with information about routes and traffic laws in the local area.
Do I need to have a vehicle of my own to drive a taxi/cab?
Not necessarily. Numerous taxi/cab drivers hire or lease their vehicles from the operator or the company. However, vehicle ownership is a must if one wants to operate independently.
How old do you have to be to become a taxi/cab driver in India?
In India, you will get permission to drive a taxi by obtaining a valid driving licence at the age of 18.
What are the costs associated with becoming a taxi/cab driver?
The costs involved in becoming a taxi/cab driver are the cost of a commercial driver's license, buying or leasing a vehicle, registering the car, purchasing insurance with the proper coverage, and, in some cases, specific types of training.
How do I register my car as a taxi/cab?
To ensure your taxi is registered as a standard motor carriage vehicle, you must apply to the RTO. This will include the original registration certificate of the vehicle, insurance, and fitness, along with an application seeking a permit. Some provisions might also require the said registration fee to be paid and a specified class of vehicle modifications or colour schemes for taxis.
What are the legal requirements for operating a taxi in India?
You must hold a valid taxi permit issued by the local transport authority. Besides, you have to buy a commercial vehicle insurance policy and ensure that your vehicle is regularly inspected. This will include adhering to various local regulations, such as installing fare meters and adhering to taxi colour codes.
How do I maintain a good reputation as a taxi/cab driver?
Delivering excellent customer service, behaving politely with passengers, keeping your vehicle clean, and following all traffic laws and company policies are already a part of building your good character. Additionally, being on time and personable will further add to your good character, getting you better tips and ratings.
What are the general challenges faced by taxi/cab drivers in India?
This includes dealing with traffic congestion, maintaining vehicles with high usage, managing irregular income streams, and controlling problem passengers. Besides, competition from other taxi/cab services and ride-sharing apps may also be quite challenging.
Do taxi/cab drivers have any tax obligations?
Yes, taxi/cab drivers pay taxes on their earnings; this includes income tax. It is advisable to keep a record of how much you earn and how much you spend and seek a professional's advice regarding your taxation obligations.
How do I deal with disputes from passengers?
Always keep your cool and behave politely if there is a dispute. Give your passengers a chance to express their concerns, and ensure that the matter is solved amicably.
What are the safety precautions when driving a taxi/cab?
Keep your vehicle in good condition, observe the traffic rules, and avoid dangerous driving behaviours. Also, the safety features are quite helpful regarding safety and security. This includes a trip record and a GPS.
Can I drive a taxi/cab on a part-time basis?
Yes, if you are working with a taxi/cab company, you will have to plan your hours in conjunction with their needs, while if you are an independent driver, then working hours will be totally under your control.