Taxi Driver Online

Hi everyone,

I am a second year student studying at Derby University and am after some help with setting up a taxi firm, as part of a Business project.

As a group, we are looking at having about 4 or 5 veichles, including one six seater. However we can not decide between operating as a hackney firm, or a private hire firm. This is mainly due to the amount of cars that we wont be having.

Also, we are struggling with the legislation. I cannot find any special requirements with regards to the MOT of a taxi. Surely a veichle that provides a public service will have a MOT test more than once a year. Especially considering that in my car I drive about 12k a year and a taxi driver will do a lot more than that!

With regards to an operations base, in my hometown I have been impressed with some of the navigation software that is in use. These can handle jobs all by touchscreen without the need for radios. Is this a novelty or something that really does make a firm earn money, as a new firm we do not want to go under so soon!

I hope this is not a burden to any of you as I respect some of you have businesses to run for real, so any feedback at all would be appreciated.

Cheers,
Dave!

To get any vehicle "plated" (to use as a taxi/Private Hire) you must approach your local Council who will stipulate their requirements regarding their licence conditions. It's they who decide how many/what cost (considerably more than normal) MOT's you must have. That is after you have gained your Badge (also from your local Council).

To operate with so few vehicles you would be better off with all Hac's (this avoids lots of unpaid milage running around your town) This in turn causes the problem of getting a Hac plate (can be ££,££££'s) .
The Sat-Nav is great but it wont tell you where the next job is, only how to get there! Only a radio/Mobile will do that.

Search for the LGMPA on this site, read it twice then throw it out of the window, as most LA's make up the rules as they go along!

Not forgetting 2010, when all hac's must be WAV, so buy now! It'll only cost you 150k for 5 Hac's, plus plates, another 150k minimum! I'd put your student loan to better use if i was you!!

Pass those exams and be the one sat in the back asking all the peter Kaye questions!!

Or employ only women, call yourself "blue belles" and operate without and restrictions whatsoever!!

There are so many variables, it would be best if you read http://www.taxi-driver.co.uk/phpBB2/vie ... php?t=2658 to start with.

Your next best bet is to contact your local council's licensing department and get whatever criteria they insist on. They will also be able to help you out.

Once that's done come back here with the more technical questions.

_________________
IDFIMH

Ask some of the Independents in your local area if they would be interested in forming an Office; thus you get a ready made fleet, with vehicles, plates and licenced drivers. Failing that, if your area is anything like mine go for PH to start and work from there. You will probably need to have at least one WAV available from the start. Sorry but thinking again about local legislation here - your a second year Uni Student which makes you about 20/21? then your too young in this area at least to hold either a Hackney Licence or indeed an Operators Licence; check age restrictions before you go any further.

Fortuantly it is not real money that we are using! And also we won't be driving any taxis so no one will be getting picked up by us!

We have contacted the local authority for their requirements, thanks for your advice. I will come back if there are any futher questions

Cheers,
Dave!

Ha ha, yes i know!

But to do it right you'll need to do the research as if you were going to do it for real!