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Taxi Drivers and Chauffeurs

(D.O.T.  359.673-010 and -014; 913.463-018, .663-010; 919.663-010,
and .683-014)

Nature of the Work

Taxi drivers and chauffeurs pick up and drive people to their
destination in cars, limousines, or vans.  Except for a small number
of chauffeurs employed in private service, most charge passengers a
fee.

   Taxi drivers, also known as cab drivers, drive taxicabs, which are
custom automobiles modified for transporting passengers.  Taxi
drivers take passengers to such places as airports, convention
centers and hotels, or places of entertainment.  Drivers collect
fees from passengers based on the number of miles that are travelled
or the amount of time spent reaching the destination.  They record
on a log, or trip sheet, the length of each trip, the point of
pick-up, and the destination.

   At the start of their driving shift, cab drivers may report to a cab
service or garage, where they are assigned a cab.  They are given a
trip sheet, where they record their name, date of work, and cab
identification number.  They check the cab's fuel and oil levels,
and make sure the lights, brakes, and windshield wipers are in good
working order.  Any equipment or parts not in good working order are
reported to the dispatcher or company mechanic.  They adjust rear
and side mirrors and their seat for comfort.

   Taxi drivers pick up their passengers in one of three ways.
Customers requesting transportation may call the cab company and
give a place and an approximate time they wish to be picked up, and
their destination.  The cab company dispatcher then relays the
information to a driver by two-way radio.  In urban areas, drivers
may cruise streets and pick up passengers who hail them, or wave
them down.  Drivers also may get passengers by waiting at cab stands
or in taxi lines at airports, train stations, hotels, and other
places where people frequently seek taxis.

   Drivers should be familiar with streets in the areas they service so
they can use the most efficient route to destinations.  They also
should know frequently requested destinations, such as airports, bus
and railroad terminals, convention centers, hotels, popular
restaurants, sport facilities, museums, art galleries and other
points of interest.  Locations of the fire and police departments as
well as hospitals should also be known in case of emergency.

   Upon reaching the destination, drivers determine the fare and
announce it to the rider.  Fares often consist of many parts.  One
part is called a drop charge, which is a flat fee just for using the
cab.  Another part of the fare is based on the length of the trip
and the amount of time it took.  In many taxicabs this is measured
by a taximeter, a machine that displays the fare as it accrues,
which drivers turn on as soon as passengers enter the cab and turn
off when the destination is reached.  The fare may also include a
surcharge for additional passengers or for handling luggage.  In
addition to paying the fare, most passengers will give the driver a
tip.  The amount of the gratuity depends on the passengers'
satisfaction with the quality and efficiency of the ride and
courtesy of the driver.  When passengers request, a driver issues a
receipt.  Drivers enter onto the trip sheet all information
regarding the trip, such as place and time of pick-up and drop-off
and total fee.  They also must fill out accident reports when
necessary.

   Chauffeurs drive passengers in private automobiles, limousines, or
vans owned by limousine companies.  Chauffeurs drive many types of
passengers.  Many transport travellers and other persons between
hotels and airports or bus and train terminals in large vans.
Others are hired to drive luxury automobiles such as limousines to
popular entertainment and social events.  Still others are employed
full time by wealthy families and private companies to provide
personal transportation.

   At the start of the work day, chauffeurs make sure their automobile
is ready for use.  They inspect it for cleanliness and, when needed,
vacuum the interior and wash windows, the exterior car body, and
mirrors.  They check fuel and oil levels and make sure the lights,
tires, brakes, and windshield wipers are in good working order.
Chauffeurs may perform routine maintenance and make minor repairs,
such as changing tires or adding oil and other fluids when needed.
If more serious repairs are needed, the chauffeur takes the vehicle
to a professional mechanic.

   Chauffeurs often strive to pamper their passengers with attentive
service.  They assist riders into the car, usually holding the door,
holding umbrellas when raining, and loading packages and luggage
into the trunk of the car.  They may perform errands for their
employers, such as delivering packages or picking up items.  They
also may meet persons arriving at airports.  Many chauffeurs offer
conveniences and luxuries in their limousines to insure a
pleasurable ride, such as newspapers, music, drinks, televisions,
and telephones.

   Taxi drivers and chauffeurs must be able to deal courteously with
the public.

Working Conditions

Taxi drivers and chauffeurs may occasionally have to load and unload
heavy luggage and packages.  Driving for long periods of time can be
tiring, especially in densely populated urban areas, and driving in
bad weather, heavy traffic, or mountainous and hilly areas can be
nerve racking.  Sitting for long periods of time can be
uncomfortable.  Drivers must be alert to conditions on the road,
especially in heavy and congested traffic or in bad weather, to
prevent accidents and to avoid sudden stops, turns, and other
driving maneuvers that would jar the passenger.

   Work hours of taxi drivers and chauffeurs vary greatly.  Some jobs
offer full-time or part-time employment; in others hours are very
flexible.  Hours can change from day to day or be the same every
day.  Drivers sometimes may have to report to work on short notice.
Chauffeurs who work for a single employer may be on call much of the
time.  For those who work for a limosine service, evening and
weekend work is common.

   The work schedule of chauffeurs is usually dictated by the needs of
their client or employer.  The work of taxi drivers is much less
structured.  Working free from supervision, they may break for a
meal or a rest whenever their vehicle is unoccupied.  However, taxi
drivers risk robbery because they work alone and often carry a lot
of cash.

   Full-time taxi drivers usually work one shift a day, which may last
from 8 to 12 hours.  Part-time drivers may work half a shift each
day, or work a full shift once or twice a week.  Because most taxi
companies offer services 24 hours a day, drivers must be on duty at
all times of the day and night.  Early morning and late night shifts
are not uncommon.  Drivers may also have to work long hours during
holidays, weekends, and other special events.  Independent drivers,
however, can often set their own hours and schedules.

   Taxi drivers and chauffeurs meet many different types of people.
Patience is required when waiting for passengers or when dealing
with rude customers.  Many municipalities and taxicab and chauffeur
companies require dress codes.  In many cities, taxicab drivers are
required to wear clothes that are clean and neat.  Many chauffeurs
wear more formal attire, such as a coat and tie or a dress, or
sometimes a uniform and cap or a tuxedo.

Employment

Taxi drivers and chauffeurs held about 120,000 jobs in 1992.  About
6 out of 10 were wage and salary workers employed by a company or
business.  Of these, about 27 percent worked for local and suburban
transportation companies and about 20 percent worked for taxicab
companies.  Others worked for automotive rental dealerships, private
households, and funeral homes.  About 4 out of 10 were
self-employed.

Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement

Local governments regulate taxicabs and set standards and tests
required to be licensed as a taxi driver or chauffeur.  Although
requirements vary, most municipalities have minimum qualifications
for age and driving experience.  Many taxi and limousine companies
have higher standards than the ones required by law: They may ask to
see a driving record and check credit and criminal records.  In
addition, many companies require a higher minimum age and prefer
that drivers be high school graduates.

   Persons interested in driving a limousine or taxicab must first have
a regular automobile drivers license.  They also must acquire a
chauffeur or taxi driver's license, commonly called a hacker's
license.  Local authorities generally require applicants for a
hacker's license to pass a written exam or complete a training
program.  To qualify either through an exam or a training program,
applicants must know local geography, motor vehicle laws, safe
driving practices, regulations governing taxicabs, and display some
aptitude for being able to deal courteously with the public.  In
many municipalities, applicants sponsored by taxicab or limousine
companies may be given a temporary permit that allows them to drive,
even though they may not yet have finished the training program or
taken the test.  Many localities are adding a test on English usage,
usually in the form of listening comprehension.  Applicants who do
not pass the English exam must take an English course sponsored by
the municipality.  Many local authorities require that applicants
pass a physical exam and many take applicants' fingerprints to check
for a criminal record.

   The majority of taxi drivers and chauffeurs are called lease
drivers.  Lease drivers pay a monthly or weekly fee to the company
that allows them to lease their vehicle and have access to the
company dispatch system.  The fee may also include a charge for
vehicle maintenance and a deposit.  Lease drivers may take their
cars home with them when they are not on duty.

   Some taxi and limousine companies give new drivers on the job
training.  They may show drivers how to operate the taximeter and
two-way radio, and how to complete paperwork.  Other topics covered
may include driver safety and popular sightseeing and entertainment
destinations.  Many companies have contracts with social service
agencies and transportation services to transport elderly and
disabled citizens, so new drivers may get special training on how to
properly handle wheelchair lifts and other mechanical devices.

   Taxi drivers and chauffeurs should be able to get along with many
different types of people.  They must be patient when waiting for
passengers or when dealing with rude customers, and driving in heavy
and congested traffic requires tolerance and a mild temperment.
Drivers should also be dependable because passengers rely on them to
be picked up at prearranged times and taken to the correct
destination.  Because drivers work with little supervision, they
must be responsible and self-motivated if they are to be successful.

   Opportunities for advancement are limited for taxi drivers and
chauffeurs.  Experienced drivers may obtain preferred routes or
shifts.  Some advance to dispatcher or to manager jobs.  On the
other hand, many drivers like the independent, unsupervised work of
driving their own automobile.

   In many small and medium size communities, drivers are able to
purchase their own taxi, limousine, or other type of automobile and
go into business for themselves.  These independent owner-drivers
are usually required to get an additional permit that allows them to
operate their vehicle as a company.  In some big cities, however,
the number of operating permits is limited and may only be obtained
by purchasing one from an owner-driver who is leaving the business.
Although many independent owner-drivers are successful, some fail to
cover expenses and eventually lose their permit and their
automobile.  Independent owner-drivers should have good business
sense and courses in accounting, business, and business arithmetic
are helpful.  Knowledge of mechanics can enable independent
owner-operators to cut expenses and perform their own routine
maintenance and minor repairs.

Job Outlook

Persons seeking jobs as taxi drivers and chauffeurs should encounter
good opportunities.  Thousands of job openings will occur each year
as drivers transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force.
However, driving jobs vary greatly in terms of earnings, work hours,
and working conditions.  Because driving does not require education
beyond high school, competition is expected for jobs that offer
regular hours and attractive earnings and working conditions.
Opportunities should be best for persons with good driving records
who are able to be flexible in their work schedules.

   Employment of taxi drivers and chauffeurs is expected to grow about
as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2005 as
local and intercity travel increases with population growth.
Opportunities should be best in metropolitan areas that are growing
rapidly.

   Job opportunites may fluctuate from season to season and from month
to month.  Extra drivers may be hired during holiday seasons and
peak travel and tourist times.  During economic slowdowns, drivers
are seldom laid off but they may have to increase their working
hours and their earnings may decline somewhat.  Independent
owner-operators are particularly vulnerable to economic slowdowns.

Earnings

Earnings of taxi drivers and chauffeurs vary greatly, depending on
the number of hours worked, customers' tips factors, and other
factors.  Those who usually worked full time had median weekly
earnings of $313.00 in 1992.  The middle 50 percent earned between
$228.00 and $481.00 a week.  The lowest 10 percent earned less than
$187.00, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $604.00 a
week.  Earnings were generally higher in more urban areas.

   According to limited information available, the majority of
independent taxi owner-drivers earned from about $20,000 to $30,000,
including tips.  However, professional drivers with a regular
clientele often earn more.  Many chauffeurs who worked full time
earned from about $30,000 to $50,000 including tips.

Related Occupations

Other workers who drive vehicles on highways and city streets are
ambulance drivers, busdrivers, and truckdrivers.

Sources of Additional Information

   Information on licensing and registration of taxi drivers and
chauffeurs is available from offices of local governments that
regulate taxicabs.  For information about work opportunities as a
taxi driver or chauffeur, contact local taxi or limousine services
or State employment service offices.

   For general information about the work of chauffeurs, contact:

   Executive Chauffeuring School, 1198 Pacific Coast Hwy., Suite D-232,
Seal Beach, CA 90740.