Taxi Driver / Chauffeur Driver

For centuries, there have been chauffeurs. Even before the existence of automobiles, members of society were transported in buggies, carriages or even chariots by a driver. Those drivers may have had different job titles, but were always trusted to get their passengers to the desired destination in an efficient and safe manner. Even today, if anyone who has tried to hail a cab on any Midtown (New York City) street during rush hour understands that there aren't enough taxi drivers and chauffeurs. These jobs will always exist, as proven by the history of the field, dating back to the Ancient World (counted here as anything occurring earlier than 50 BCE). So how does someone become a taxi driver these days? A high school diploma, GED or equivalent is necessary, so that taxi corporations are certain their drivers have the math, mechanics and communication skills necessary for the job. Taxi drivers must get both a standard driver's license, plus an additional license allowing them to transport others in return for money, often referred to as a "hack" license. Often times, drivers must also complete a course or courses offered by employers, and this is almost always the case with chauffeurs.

Drivers provide one of or all three of the following services to patrons: transportation, helping out-of-towners, offer site-seeing tours and services. Depending on the company one drives for, and the needs of the patrons, these tasks might intermingle or remain completely separate. Transportation is the main function of a taxi driver or chauffeur. Once more, consider the streets of New York City, in which the yellow taxi cab is a staple element. Would not the streets look strange without cabs? Imagine the stress on the subway and bus systems if there weren't taxi cabs. Hundreds, perhaps thousands of cabs rove the streets, transporting passengers to work, to meals, to dates, to events and to other transportation centers, such as train stations and airports. When out-of-towners come to visit, taxi drivers and chauffeurs are responsible for seeing that those patrons arrive at the correct location and have a pleasant ride. Drivers and chauffeurs are often asked about the city or area in which they work; for who knows their area better than those who drive throughout it day-in, day-out? Chauffeurs are more likely to complete the third task, which is site-seeing tours and services. While driving, chauffeurs may be responsible for discussing local history and attractions with passengers. There's even a taxi cab used as a game show set…anyone who has watched an episode of Cash Cab might enjoy the trivia as well as "street shout-outs." Visitors to New York City often admit to searching for the Cash Cab. In that case, the driver must also be a game show host!

The most important quality a taxi driver or chauffeur needs is a clean driving record. If your driving record is filled with accidents or moving violations…or even administrative violations, you may find it extremely difficult to secure a job as a taxi driver or chauffeur. You must have strong customer service skills. As mentioned above, you may find yourself in a situation where you're either required or inclined to drum up a conversation. You want your patrons to feel at ease in your vehicle, and therefore need customer service skills so that you are perceived as an approachable individual. A flexible schedule is a must for any taxi driver or chauffeur. During times of shortages, you may be required to readjust your schedule, or alter your planned time of going off-duty for the night. Another important skill is the ability to remain alert, and to anticipate situations on the road. You want your patrons to enjoy a safe ride, but if you're easily distracted they may feel intrinsically unsafe in your vehicle. Taxi drivers and chauffeurs need to know their city or area. You have to have a good sense of direction and be able to quickly interpret any detour either requested by your patrons or demanded by construction or other situations. You must know landmarks and popular destinations. To use New York City as another example, have you ever ridden in a cab with a driver who didn't know how to get to Grand Central from any area of Manhattan or the surrounding boroughs? You have to keep strong and in good health in case you need to help patrons with luggage, both at the beginning and end of the ride. This is a more common task for chauffeurs, as is the need to thoroughly inspect (both aesthetically and mechanically) each vehicle at the start of a shift.

Taxi drivers can expect to make anywhere from $20,489 to $43,050 per year, as reported in October 2008. Fifty percent of taxi drivers earn a median salary range of $25,160 - $36,969. An estimation of a bi-weekly paycheck, less taxes and social security, might be $930.80. For chauffeurs, the salary range has a higher minimum but a lower maximum ($23,681 - $40,289), while the median range earned by fifty percent of chauffeurs reflects the same trend ($26,486 - $35,179). Because of that, an estimated bi-weekly paycheck, less taxes and social security, falls below that of taxi drivers at $909.27.

Paul Klaassen is the Founder and CEO of Sunrise Senior Living, and a person of note within this field. Another influential professional is Amy Birnbaum, CEO of Royal Coachman, who was recently named to NJ's Best Fifty Women in Business list.

For those seeking to find a job in the field of taxi driving or chauffeuring, some leading organizations include Sunrise Senior Living, Royal Coachman, RWP Solutions and Mitchell Home Medical.

New York City is a prominent option for those seeking jobs in the taxi driving industry. Indianapolis, Des Moines, Brighton, Charlotte and Denville also offer a myriad of opportunities.