Taxi Driver Online

Seriously considering becoming another of Wirrals ever growing number of hackney drivers. Applied for my licence etc, confident of passing knowledge and then looking to buy an E7 or similar within a few months.

Anyone got any advice as to what I could expect to earn on a weekly basis if I were to work premium hours? I've lurked here long enough to have read of plenty of pit-falls and dissatisfaction amongst the rank and file, but can it really be that bad.

I've worked 20 years plus in factories, been made redundant once too often now, and having never been on the dole before I'm amazed how dificult they make it to claim any benefit of any kind, even once you've already embarassed yourself enough by walking into that place. So no matter how bad it appears to you guys, it's looking like a good option to me.

I'm not looking to get into P/H, but wonder is it possible/how do you go about finding a hack day or night collar for a bit of job experience before I commit all my dosh to a new cab. And comments or advice would be very greatfully received, but first post - please be gentle with me!

I just had a gander to see what driving instructors are earning /paying
http://www.theaa.com/allaboutcars/drivi ... arning.jsp

WIRRAL

MARCH 2002 - 126 CABS
JUNE 2006 - 250+ CABS

The number of cabs plying for hire in the borough has more than doubled in four years.

I would strongly advise against buying a cab to work Wirral. There are still plenty of new drivers coming in, but there is nowhere near enough for this number of cabs.

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Visit TAXIPIX at www.taxipix.fotopic.net

From my experience you will earn what you need, but at first it will take you 60/70+ hours a week to do so.

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IDFIMH

Where about i Wirral are you planning to work ?

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Leon, Ellesmere Port.

Thanks for the comments and words of warning people.

The thought of having to work long hours in order to make a crust doesn't phase me at the moment, and I do appreciate that the Wirral cab market is approaching saturation point. However there must be a living to be made if another 250+ guys are on the streets, admittedly the pickings may be greatly reduced from the previously restricted times, but I'm looking for a steady income, not expecting to make my fortune. I have also considered applying for a Liverpool licence and renting a collar, but obviously the idea of buying a cab in Liverpool is a non-starter. Is the Liverpool licence liable to be a better option?

Considering I keep getting stitched up in a dying manufacturing industry, it still seems attractive.

Stinky Pete - I've looked into driving instructing previously, but I'm extremely sceptical of the figures the AA quote, they are obviously based upon being regularly fully booked - and they're selling a franchise, so clearly the figures will look attractive.

Leon - I'm as far north that you can go in the Wirral without getting your feet wet and I was considering covering Birkenhead down to Bromborough area.

On the subject of driving instructors earnings. The people who make the money are the ones doing the training or selling franchises!
In real terms the rate per mile is less than driving a taxi and when driving a cab you dont have somebody trying to kill you! ( Apart for weekend nights)
Having done both I know which I prefer.

Well there's hardly any risk of losing out money-wise if your prepared to put the hours in. I was working shifts in a factory on a half decent wage and gave it all up for p/h. Everyone said I was stupid. Im my first 6 weeks i've come to notice that I can equal my previous income by working about ten hours more than my previous job. But the good thing about taxiing is its easy work, and you can choose your hours

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Leon, Ellesmere Port.

Leon, is that just based around the Port? What sort of core hours do you cover?

Yes just the port. Friday & Saturday Nights 5pm-3am, Sunday 10am-8pm. As long as I get these hours in, the rest of the days in the week I just do about 4 hours a day to pay for the settle etc, with a day off to spare...

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Leon, Ellesmere Port.

Thanks Leon, that's far less than I was anticipating

Saying that, I'm doing p/h and you want to drive a Hack so not sure what kind difference there is. Maybe you'd be busier in the day with shoppers and people with prams etc..

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Leon, Ellesmere Port.

I think I will go and get badged & plated for Ellesmere Port !

Well last week i took home £190 before tax, it all depends on how much you need to live on. My wife is a senior nurse so she's the main bread winner I just pay the bills lol !

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Leon, Ellesmere Port.

IMO it's always best to be an owner, and if you don't have to pay tens of thousands to do so, then don't.

Your point about the 250 odd owners in Wirral is interesting, and you have to wonder if those extra drivers are all thick and skint, or someone is telling fibs.

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IDFIMH