Taxi Drivers

What the job really is

Drive a motor vehicle to transport passengers on an unplanned basis and charge a fare, usually based on a meter.

At a glance

• Sector: Transportation & Material Moving
• O*NET-SOC code: 53-3054
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Collect fares or vouchers from passengers, and make change or issue receipts as necessary.
• Communicate with dispatchers by radio, telephone, or computer to exchange information and receive requests for passenger service.
• Complete accident reports when necessary.
• Determine fares based on trip distances and times, using taximeters and fee schedules, and announce fares to passengers.
• Drive taxicabs or privately owned vehicles to transport passengers.
• Follow relevant safety regulations and state laws governing vehicle operation, and ensure that passengers follow safety regulations.
• Notify dispatchers or company mechanics of vehicle problems.
• Perform minor vehicle repairs, such as cleaning spark plugs, or take vehicles to mechanics for servicing.
• Perform routine vehicle maintenance, such as regulating tire pressure and adding gasoline, oil, and water.
• Pick up passengers at prearranged locations, at taxi stands, or by cruising streets in high-traffic areas.
• Provide passengers with assistance entering and exiting vehicles, and help them with any luggage.
• Provide passengers with information or advice about the local area, points of interest, hotels, or restaurants.

Tools and technology

Facebook, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Windows, Actsoft Comet Tracker, Alarms, Closed-circuit TV cameras, Communications computers, Credit card processing machines, Digital Dispatch, Easy Dispatch, EventHelix WebTaxi

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs
• Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity
• Light Truck Drivers
• Subway and Streetcar Operators
• Parking Attendants
• Bus Drivers, School
• Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance
• Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Taxi Drivers — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.