Taxi Driver Online

Hello all,

I have been considering becoming a self-employed private hire driver for some time now and I would appreciate it if you could answer some questions please...

I have read that it is advisable to drive for someone else before committing to driving for yourself. Hypothetically speaking, assuming I have served time with amother firm and want to take the plunge, what costs are there involved? I have asked a few P/H peple and they seem to give conflicting advice. Assuming the car is my own and fully paid for, is there just the cost of the radio, insurance and plates?

Also, what can I expect to earn in Manchester working a 40hr week (say 8am to 4pm)?

Many thanks!!

DB

DB wrote:



Possibly a living.

The main money earnt in this business in a city centre is on a friday and saturday night.

Working for an established operator in the area, yes for sure will give you a good feel for both the gross and nett earnings to be had for what hours.

Good luck

Regards

Eric

That's about it, but don't forget a PH plate will cost you nothing.

As for your earnings, it's that piece of string question. But you wont starve.

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IDFIMH

Many thanks! What is the best way to a company willing to "lease" the radio and what is the average cost of this?

Most will rent you a radio on a fixed weekly sum, others may want a % of your take.

If I was you I would start on a big firm to get the gist, and then do what's best for you.

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IDFIMH

Yes, and the radio will probably cost up to a ton a week or so.

You could start by renting a car, which will include all the above plus the cost of car and maintenance, although the exact details may vary between firms. But this way you can decide whether you're likely to stick at the job, and then you can put your own car on and in the long run you are likely to earn more.

Each office has a different way of working, and are likely to have a mixture of rented and owner-driver cars, and if their deal doesn't suit then just try another office. If you want to go down the rental route to start then make sure you're not over-committed, but as far as I know these rental agreements are usually fairly short-term and/or informal.

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

Is there any firms in manchester that are good to work for and likewise are there any to be avoided? Where do they normally advertise for drivers?

do some door chapping, go to local office, a couple of times, you'll gauge their operation from there, and just ask, most I looked at were friendly and willing to help.

A sign in the office window?

Unless you can speak to people who are directly involved in the Manchester PH trade then no one can really answer your question.

As good a way as any to find the firms is the yellow pages - you could ask how many cars they have and what not - a big firm is probably as good as any to start with since they should be reasonably well organised to have gotten big.

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

I've decided to apply for my PH licence. Anyone living in manchester will know that the area is divided into seperate councils, Manchester City, Trafford, Stockport etc. If a apply for a Trafford plate, will I be able to work for an operator in a different council district?

Cheers

I think the position is that the driver, vehicle and operator license all have to be in the same area, but other than that you can work where you want.

So the answer would be no

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Taxi Driver Online
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