How to Make Great Money Working As a Taxi Driver

Some would think that a taxi driver position is one that is of a lower class, undereducated person. Well, I can tell you that after you read about my experience of how I made great money working as a taxi driver, you may start thinking about a career change!

When I was going through college, I took up a job moonlighting as a cab driver to supplement my very minimal college loans. To begin the process I first got my licensing in order to be a cab driver. This consisted of doing an up-graded drivers license test. The test was very easy and I didn’t even have to study for it.

Next, I learned that all taxi cab companies in my town required background police check from my local municipality. This process is done by law and, in its own right, shows that the city is doing its due-diligence in hiring capable people to do this line of public service.

I then handed out resumes to all local taxi companies to try and obtain a job. When I began to receive offerings for positions as a driver, I chose to go with a company that offered a lease program. How this works is the company provided me with a car and the necessary communications technology (radio, satellite responder etc) at a rate of 100 dollars per shift plus the cost of fuel. Whatever I made over and above these costs, I kept (including tips!). This is a great way to work as a taxi driver because it eliminated any costs of operating a vehicle like maintenance and insurance, which can become very expensive. As well, I would get cashed out after every shift, so it was instant gratification!

I then chose to work the weekend night shift, which is usually the most dreaded shift by drivers but has a very strong payout. The busiest nights are Friday and Saturday nights, since its the end of the work week and a lot of people are inclined to drink and spend money at that time. Let’s just say that the “happy” people tipped the best! On average, I would make between 150-200 dollars every 12 hr shift and a lot of times I came home with over 250 dollars! Not too shabby!

Another good time to work as a taxi cab driver is during the winter holidays. The best money-making night I had was one new years eve where I made just over 500 dollars and that was after all my expenses for the night were paid! Try going to an oil rig and make that kind of money!

If your going through college or you need that extra, quick cash I would recommend trying to get a job in this industry. And if you do decide on becoming a taxi driver, don’t worry about what people think. After all, money talks!

Leave a Reply