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Starting Out
http://www.taxi-driver.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=1140		 Page 1 of 2
Author:  Clyde [ Mon Nov 15, 2004 9:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Starting Out
Have been following TDO forum for some time now it has given me some good information on the taxi industry. I have been wanting to get started in the trade for quite a while the job i am in just now looks like going t*ts up in a few months (im also fed up working for clueless bosses). Would i be best getting a few shifts just know to see if its is for me i.e part-time or is this frowned upon by the full timers ? I have heard mixed reviews some say great job own hours own boss others dont bother nothing but hassle and grief from dodgy punters. Any Positive advice would be greatly appreciated from

GreenBoy Glasgow
Author:  Sussex [ Mon Nov 15, 2004 10:02 pm ]
Post subject: 
I think doing a few shifts a week is a sound idea.

Too many come into this trade spending thousands only to realise that the roads aren't always paved with gold.

I would start either as a taxi journeymen, or work PH with one of the big firms. Then when you have seen the trade close up, you can decide what to do in the future.
Author:  steveo [ Tue Nov 16, 2004 1:39 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Starting Out
Clyde wrote:
the job i am in just now looks like going t*ts up in a few months (im also fed up working for clueless bosses).

GreenBoy Glasgow


sounds like your already a scottish taxi driver..... !!!:D
Author:  Yorkie [ Tue Nov 16, 2004 2:16 am ]
Post subject: 
we get these requests from time to time as you have been following us for a while I will co-operate.

first of all sit down and decide when you want to work and what you want form life as this job aint easy.

by all means get some shifts, the real problem with part timers is they dont get the full picture, and think we are saturday friday mode all the time we are not.

this trade is divided into two, the winners and the losers, its a state of the mind thing, and I have never seen a loser turn into a winner, but have seen winners turn into losers lots.

if you are always smiling you will win and win even with the tossers.

if you love driving, love people get in there, as you can see sometimes it can be long hours at times when others have fun.

dont mind working xmas and having january off? feast and famine.

my advice to you is note times you get jobs on certain days you will find a pattern emerges, break at say 9.30 meal say 10.45 and home for 2
as the pattern will arise.

try to get on with controllers and be helpfull, if you are fast at finding places you will be an answer to thier prayers when they cock up on a job.

and good luck

ps never reveal your take to anybody and if asked its always quiet and steady dont flash money, that way you will stay safe.
Author:  Nidge2 [ Tue Nov 16, 2004 6:12 am ]
Post subject: 
If it fails you could always do this.

Image
Author:  trigot [ Tue Nov 16, 2004 6:54 am ]
Post subject:  clyde
i have sent you a private message with some advice that will come good since you are from the same neck of the woods as me, also point you in right direction who to drive for and who not to,,,,
Author:  trigot [ Tue Nov 16, 2004 7:04 am ]
Post subject: 
as has already been mentioned, this job aint easy. Its not about wether you enjoy driving, or wether you like working long hours, or can etc,, for starters if you do love driving,,you will start to hate it very soon,,lol,,imo.
Also,,the idea of wondering when its going to kick off,when you are going to be the next crime victim,,even if it means a [edited by admin] 2 pounds runner,its still a crime,,then the more serious hasssles drivers can get. Getting used to new areas,,some hires will galdly tell you the route till you get used to the circuit,,other assholes will get sarcy,,and get you all stressed up,,no one plans a career as a taxi driver,,we all fall in one way or the other ourt of neccesity, but there are positive sides,,money can be good,,if you have metal in your make up,,and willing to hit all the areas,,( good or bad) you will make money,,loads,,never get cocky, if you aggrevate a hire,,be a man and apologise,,if its their fault,,learn to read the situation,,sometimes better to say nowt than be the bigman,,im sure u know the score,,let us know how you get on,,,good luck
Author:  Clyde [ Tue Nov 16, 2004 7:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Thanks
Thanks folks for taking the timeout to give some sound advice.
Author:  TDO [ Wed Nov 17, 2004 7:52 pm ]
Post subject: 
My first rule of thumb is that if you work 'normal' hours then you probably won't be earning much. By 'normal' I mean 8-5, Monday to Friday, or suchlike.

But if you work nights, 50 hours (say) and weekends, then you'll probably earn a reasonable crust, particualry in a big city like Glasgow, but of course what's 'reasonable' depends on what you have done in the past.

My second rule of thumb is that if it's easy enough to get a badge so that you can just 'give it a go', then this will be detrimental to earnings as well.

As for the job itself, trigot outlines things nicely.

I think that for many the job is a nightmare to start with as you find your feet in the first few weeks, but it gets better. Once you start to get on top of it you might even enjoy it for another while, but for many once they get past this they learn to increasingly hate the job.

I don't want to sound like a prophet of doom, but I think that's the way many guys go.
Author:  Sussex [ Wed Nov 17, 2004 7:57 pm ]
Post subject: 
TDO wrote:
I don't want to sound like a prophet of doom, but I think that's the way many guys go.

And then you get saddo's like me that just love the job. :D :D :D
Author:  Yorkie [ Thu Nov 18, 2004 2:48 am ]
Post subject: 
Sussex wrote:
TDO wrote:
I don't want to sound like a prophet of doom, but I think that's the way many guys go.

And then you get saddo's like me that just love the job. :D :D :D


even though they cant do it properly
Author:  goodtyneguy [ Thu Dec 30, 2004 8:34 pm ]
Post subject: 
Hello everyone,

As you can see this is my first post in this excellent informative forum.

I will hopefully be starting in the business in the new year. I am located in Watford in Hertfordshire.
I have to say that I'm totally "green" and have been taking onboard some of the advice and tips posted here. I have questions I would like to ask and hope some of you will have the patience and answer them for me. I thank those people in advance. So one or two to get started:

1) Sussex wrote
Quote:
I would start either as a taxi journeymen, or work PH with one of the big firms
What is a taxi journeymen?

2) What is the differenc between HC and PH?

3) I read in a post here that it is a good idea to obtain the operators, drivers and vehicle regs. from the local authority. Do these all come in one handy booklet and what do I ask the local authority to send me?

4) I keep hearing "badge" mentioned, is this what the LA send you once your licensed?

5) "Plated" what are the rules with regard to this?

6) In my local area most taxi companies use meters but some don't, why is this?

7) Is January really as quiet as some say in the trade?

Once again thanks in advance :)
Author:  Yorkie [ Thu Dec 30, 2004 8:39 pm ]
Post subject: 
eh John come look at this!

unbelievable!
Author:  Sussex [ Thu Dec 30, 2004 8:43 pm ]
Post subject: 
1) A driver that either rents a cab, or pays a % of his take to the owner of the cab.
2) One is driven by professionals, the other by cab drivers. :D :D
3) You local council is the best place to start your research.
4) Yes, and you must always keep it with you. Even when asleep. :shock:
5) If you aren't, then you are illegal.
6) Because PH don't have too, they can set their own fares. HC fares are set by councils.
7) No, it's far worse. :sad:
Author:  Sussex [ Thu Dec 30, 2004 8:46 pm ]
Post subject: 
Yorkie wrote:
eh John come look at this!

I think 'benefit of the doubt' for a day or so. :wink:
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