Start your career as a self-employed
Private Hire Taxi Driver
How to Join us and start your new carrier as a self-employed Private Hire Taxi Driver?
Were you thinking of becoming a private hire taxi driver and being your own boss, having more freedom and flexibility in your work schedule whilst providing transportation services in the picturesque landscapes of West Berkshire and its surrounding areas? Do you have a passion for driving, enjoy interacting with people, and are willing to put in the effort to start your own business in the private hire taxi industry?
Then this could be a wonderful opportunity for you!
If you are interested in pursuing this opportunity, I recommend reading the handy guide I have put together to gain a better understanding of the industry, the requirements, and steps you need to take to become a successful private hire taxi driver. Good luck on your new career path!

Why should you become a Private Hire Driver?
Becoming a taxi driver can be a rewarding career choice for several reasons, including:
1-Flexibility and Freedom: As a private hire taxi driver, you have the freedom to choose your own working hours and shifts. This flexibility allows you to work when it suits you and take time off when needed.
2-Supplemental Income: Driving a taxi can be a great way to earn extra income, especially if you have other commitments or responsibilities. You can work part-time or full-time, depending on your schedule and financial needs.
3-Varied Income: Your earnings as a taxi driver will depend on factors such as the number of fares you pick up, the distance you travel, and customer tips. This can lead to a varied income that may be more lucrative than a fixed salary in a traditional 9-5 job.
4-Interactions with Customers: Being a taxi driver allows you to meet and interact with a diverse range of people every day. Developing good communication skills and building rapport with customers can lead to repeat business and positive reviews.
5-Customer Service Skills: Politeness, good manners, punctuality, respect, and helpfulness are essential qualities for a taxi driver. Cultivating these characteristics can enhance your interactions with customers and contribute to your success in the industry.
6-Potential for Tips: Providing exceptional service and going the extra mile for customers can result in tips, which can significantly boost your earnings. Positive feedback and recommendations from satisfied passengers can also lead to increased business opportunities.
Overall, becoming a taxi driver can offer a balance of autonomy, financial rewards, interpersonal interactions, and personal growth opportunities that may appeal to individuals seeking a flexible and customer-oriented career path.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for dedicated and professional individuals who possess the following qualities:
1- Good Driving Skills: We need drivers who are confident and skilled on the road, ensuring the safety of both themselves and our customers.
2- Customer Service Oriented: Our drivers should have a strong focus on customer satisfaction, always aiming to provide a positive and memorable experience for our customers.
3- Professionalism: It is important that our drivers always conduct themselves in a professional manner, representing our business in a positive light and keep vehicles in a representative condition.
4- Self-Employed Mindset: As a self-employed individual, the driver should be able to manage their own schedule and take responsibility for their work.
5- Strong Work Ethic: We are looking for drivers who are enthusiastic about their job and willing to go the extra mile to meet the needs of the business.
6- Team Player: Our ideal candidate should be able to work well with others and contribute positively to the team dynamic.
If you feel you possess these qualities and are ready to commit to this role, we would love to have you join our team.
Job Description - Private Hire Vehicle Driver
Key Responsibilities:
– Drive customers to their destinations safely and on time.
– Maintain a clean and presentable vehicle at all times.
– Engage in courteous and professional interactions with customers.
– Utilize PDA with iCabbi App for navigation and job management.
– Uphold company policies and customer service standards.
Qualifications:
– Valid UK driver’s license
Good driving record.
– Strong communication skills.
– Ability to work well with diverse customer base.
– Willingness to learn and adapt to new technology.
Benefits:
– Business partnership with no investment required.
– Fully equipped vehicle provided.
– Opportunity to interact with a wide range of people.
– Training and development opportunities.
If you are a friendly, reliable individual with a passion for customer service, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. For more information on how to use PDA with iCabbi App, please refer to the training video provided. Join us at Cabco LTD and start your journey as a Private Hire Vehicle Driver today.
Our Vehicles
I own a well-equipped fleet of vehicles ready for private hire work. Having three Skoda Superb cars and one Mercedes E-Class and the vehicles are available 24/7 and all year round. You are able to provide reliable services whenever needed.
The fact that each vehicle is licensed, insured, and fully equipped with essential features such as a taxi meter, PDA, dispatch system, and bank card reader ensures that you can offer a professional and convenient experience to your passengers.
Additionally, having a 24/7 taxi operator phone line and driver support enhances the level of service you can provid.
Salary
It is important for individuals considering a career as a private hire taxi driver to be aware of the typical working hours and the potential for long hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays. While salary specifics are usually discussed face to face and can vary, it is common for drivers to work around 50 hours per week.
Moreover, for fully trained full-time drivers, a guaranteed minimum hourly rate may be negotiated at a later stage. These factors should be taken into consideration when evaluating the potential earnings and work-life balance as a private hire taxi driver.
What is the next step if you are interested:
1) A registration of yourself as a self-employed individual. (It is free, you can register yourself online and it normally takes around 30 minutes. Second option is to pay someone, any accountant would do it for you)
2) UK driving licence with no more than 6 points.
3) A valid Private Hire Drivers Licence issued by West Berkshire Council.
Three forms of identity (ID), (one must be a photo ID)
• DVLA driving licence – full UK driving licence.
• proof of address (such as a bank statement or a utility bill less than three months old)
.
• passport or birth certificate
• one photograph.
Cost of the licence
The full cost of obtaining a Private Hire Driver’s Licence from the West Berkshire Council is approximately £700. Applicants are required to make the payment directly to the West Berkshire Council or their partner account. At LaL Private Hire Ltd, we understand the financial commitment involved in obtaining this licence. For drivers who meet our criteria and remain with our company for a minimum of 12 months, we are happy to reimburse the full cost of the licence. Further details regarding this reimbursement scheme will be discussed during the interview process.
If you need assistance in obtaining the necessary licensing documents from the West Berkshire Council Licensing Department, feel free to ask for guidance. I have provided for you links to the required documents below and can help you through the process of getting your Private Hire Driver’s License. The council will normally issue a new Private Hire Drivers Licence between 3 to 8 weeks depended on your speed of providing the right documents.
Let me know if you need any specific information or guidance on this topic.
Future Business opportunity
The emphasis on equality and collaboration within the company is admirable, as it fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment among team members. At Cabco, we are all like a one big family who are making most of the decisions together where everyone is equal. If you are a business-driven individual looking to take ownership of your work and contribute innovative ideas to a company, joining Cabco Ltd’s team seems like a promising opportunity. The prospect of increasing income as an operator shareholder further sweetens the deal.
For those considering this opportunity, I recommend filling out the questionnaire form and submitting it. It could be the first step towards a successful partnership with the company. Let us know about you! You will be invited for an interview where you will find out more details. Once your interview will be successful you will be ready to start!
To obtain a New Private Hire Drivers Licence you will need the following documents (links attached below)
– Proof of eligibility to work in the UK – (requires booking on website) £0.00.
– Disclosure and barring service (DBS) check – (requires booking over the phone and payment through West Berkshire council) £90.00.
– Practical driving assessment – (requires booking) £87.00.
– Group 2 medical – (requires booking with your GP or any medical centrum) £50.00.
– Safeguarding training – (2 hours online course – requires booking) £25.00.
– Disability Training – (2 hours online course – requires booking) £40.00.
– Two-character reference – (Person who knows you well – i.e. your old employer) £0.00.
– West Berkshire Council Knowledge Test – (requires booking with West Berkshire council) £328.00.
These documents will need to be handed in, emailed or posted directly to West Berkshire Council licencing department: 01635 519184 for Licensing enquiries or email licensing@westberks.gov.uk.
Main postal address is:
Public Protection Partnership, Theale Library, Church Street, Theale, Berkshire RG7 5BZ.

Links where to get all necessary documents for Drivers Private Hire Licence.

Links where to get necessary Certificates

Payments Links – West Berkshire council, licencing department

iCabbi Driver App – Training videos
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