Career guide

Taxi driver: career guide and training

As a taxi driver you drive a vehicle for up to eight passengers in addition to the driver and bring them safely and on time to their destination.

What will you do?

Whether you work as a private transport driver, a limousine chauffeur or a driver for people with reduced mobility, you welcome passengers, plan your routes and keep to the traffic rules while making sure all your on-board documents are in order. You watch over the comfort of your passengers, carry out first-level maintenance on your vehicle and take emergency measures if an incident occurs.

  • Welcome passengers and give them information
  • Plan efficient routes to the destination
  • Drive the vehicle safely and on time
  • Watch over the comfort of your passengers
  • Keep the on-board documents in order
  • Carry out first-level maintenance on the vehicle
  • Take emergency measures in case of an incident

Skills to develop

  • Local knowledge of roads and navigation tools
  • A safe, calm and defensive driving style
  • A friendly, service-minded attitude towards passengers
  • Accuracy in keeping on-board documents up to date

Your foundation for this occupation

Taxi work combines driving with service and trip records. A driver of a taxi licensed by a Flemish municipality needs the relevant driver pass; paid transport also requires appropriate medical fitness. Check the rules for the region of work. A normal licence and booking app do not replace these requirements.

From preparation to your first day

  1. Develop the practical skills

    Practise a trip from confirmation to completion: correct passenger, destination, collection, route and payment. Clarify uncertain addresses first. Handle personal details and conversations discreetly. Accessible transport requires specific training in the equipment and procedures used.

  2. Check your work

    Check vehicle, documents and trip data through company arrangements. Record waiting, changes and payments clearly. Report lost property and complaints through the designated channel. Careful completion includes safe drop-off and accurate records.

How can you grow?

Specialisations include airport, business and adapted transport. Self-employment adds operating permissions, vehicle costs and planning. Do not compare fares directly with salary: turnover is not take-home income and waiting or empty return journeys remain work.

Frequently asked questions

Can I carry nine passengers in an ordinary car?

No. The car limit is eight passengers besides the driver, subject to the vehicle's approved capacity. Taxi services also have applicable licensing and driver conditions. Check both vehicle and professional requirements before accepting a booking.

Sources and training

Could this be your match?

A vacancy only tells part of the story. Discover how your skills, work style and commute fit a job in the Werkvolk app.

Free for candidates