Taxi Driver Online

Hi guys, post number 1....

I'm 28, been a plasterer for the last few years and its boring me to death, so this is my chosen career (PH) change.

Basically, I'm waiting for my temp licecne to come through and wanted some opinions on who's car would be "better/CHEAPER". Would anyone advise using an operators car like an Octavia or whatever or is it better to have your own? To be honest, I'm looking for the cheapest option... the more I can save the better!

Any other advice for a newbie is more than welcome.

Thanks in advance!

Adam.

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WYSIWYG

Do the Knowledge, become a Taxi driver, and set yourself up financially for the rest of your days.

Hi Adam, post number 4828

It all depends on how much the office rental is. You can buy a new Octavia for less than £50 a week, insurance will vary, but to start with it might be another £50 a week.

With the Octavia will be a three year warrenty (via the Taxi Centre), so your only other costs will be tyres, brakes etc.

So if the office charges much more than £100 a week (without the radio rent) then it might be best if you bought your own motor.

Of course you could buy a second/third hand motor if you want to take a chance.

But I would drive an office car for a short while before you commit yourself to spending serious money.

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IDFIMH

That's a lot of posts

Didn't expect replies that quick!

Firstly, Sussex... That's what I was thinking. So its probably worth my time calling round the offices and asking!

Second, GreenBadgeCabby... From what I've read, don't you need to be set up financially to become a taxi driver? I wouldn't know where to start, the area I live are all minicabs... and I know my way around the Antartic as much as I do London... even if it is only 20 mins away Saying that, point me in the right direction and I'll see where it takes me!

Thanks again!!

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WYSIWYG

No you don't need to be financialy set up before undertaking the Knowledge.

I started off as skint as the next bloke, in fact I lived in Lewis Road, DA 14 which i suspect is not far from where you are?

I did'nt know where Kings Cross Station was before I started!, but the Knowledge is a stuctured programme and designed to take you through at your own pace.

Heres a couple of links for you to click on.

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/pco/knowledge.shtml

http://www.wizann.co.uk/

surely theres more money in plastering? that what my brother does and he is doing very well at the moment.

I know that road!... I used to live in Davenport Road, by Albany Park station

And yes, plastering does pay well... but making repairs to walls and ceilings, skimming, rendering....damn! it's the most boring thing in the world. Plus, being a wet trade... its as minging as you like, finish plaster has a strong alkaline content and hurts like **** when it gets in your eye! But, I can still do the odd job whenever, being self-employed.

I love driving and I'd rather be doing something I enjoy for less money, than doing something I'm really growing to dislike.

So, I'm keeping my options open...PH to start with, but will definately be looking into "the knowledge".

Cheers.

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WYSIWYG

Why not study for the cabby's knowledge, whilst driving a licensed London PH?

But don't tell anyone.

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IDFIMH

seems to be a lot of posts regarding people wanting into the trade how about a thread about how to get out id love to be a plasterer or any other tradesperson

Hmm...you may change your mind about driving, I suspect.

And the plastering may not seem so boring after all

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Taxi Driver Online
www.taxi-driver.co.uk

I think you and Paul are probably both good examples of the 'grass is always greener' syndrome.

Let's face it, all jobs have an element of boredom and repitition, but I suppose a change every few years ago doesn't do anyone any harm.

Me, I'm waiting till I win the lottery.

I'll have to starty buying tickets again though

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Taxi Driver Online
www.taxi-driver.co.uk

can you not plaster t.d.o. T

plumbing ???T

Roofing...??T

Here Mr T, I got a 'Mr T in your pocket' gadget for my birthday the other week! What a laugh, especially played over the intercom.

'Don't talk jibber jabber'!