The Thevenaud law in 2014 rocked the profession of taxi drivers. This law now separates taxi drivers from VTC drivers. In this article, we will go through all the steps to become a taxi driver!
Taxi Driver: Mission
The taxi driver has to take his client from one place to another. It should guarantee a safe journey and quality service. Taxi driver must be efficient and choose the best route to bring his customer to his destination. There are two types of taxi drivers: those who work for a company like Taxi G7 or independent taxi drivers. The latter often reside near en route locations such as airports, stations or even main boulevards.
What are the requirements to become a taxi driver?
If you want to become a taxi driver, you must have a valid B permit.
Becoming a taxi driver does not require training. However, note that you are required to have a professional taxi card. CCPCT (Certificate of Professional Competence if Taxi Driver) is obtained by passing an examination. To register, you must visit the site of the prefecture of the geographic area where you wish to practice. You can take this exam as a free candidate or follow a training course that will cost you between 400 and 1500€. To file the application, the following documents will be requested:
- B License and photocopy of your car’s gray card;
- Photocopy of your passport or two-sided identity card;
- address proof ;
- Recent passport photo.
The exam is divided into two tests. The practical test lasts for 20 minutes and is a simulation of traveling as a taxi driver. The theoretical test includes an MCQ on taxi rules, road safety or even French territory.
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This certificate is valid for 5 years and is renewable. All you have to do is apply for renewal in your province.
The cost of the exam is around 200€. Once you pass the exam, you must apply for your card from your province within three months. The card will cost you 60€.
A taxi driver must have a clean criminal record on Bulletin 2 and his PSC1 First Aid Certificate must be less than two years old.
What are the qualifications required to become a taxi driver?
The following qualities are required to work as a taxi driver:
- Adopt a healthy lifestyle to be able to drive at night or for long hours.
- Learn how to manage stress (traffic jams, accidents, aggressive customers, etc.).
- Know how to adapt.
- Be helpful and social.
- Respect the rules of the road.
- Know your city and region well.
- Listening to your client (turn on the music or not, talk or not…)
- Take note of their customer service.
What is the legal status to become a taxi?
The taxi driver has two options regarding his legal status:
- be employed by a company such as Taxi G7 or Taxi Blue;
- Get self-employed and declare yourself alone.
If you love being independent, you should form a company. Self-employment status is only suitable if your turnover is less than €72,500 per year.
Most independent taxi drivers go to SASU or EURL. It gives you more protection than the auto-entrepreneur status and gives you the possibility to cut expenses.
When you form your company, don’t forget to draft the Articles of Association, publish your company’s creation, and register with the RCS (Register of Commerce and Companies).
What are the rules for taxi drivers?
Taxi license or parking permit is required. If you are an employee, your company provides this to you. If you are self-employed, here are different ways to get it:
- Make a request to the town hall and be patient. The request must be renewed every year. Licenses on lease for two years and in practice are given preference to taxi drivers. Note that requests for Paris must be made from Police Headquarters.
- Buying a license from a former driver would cost you between €30,000 and €300,000. If you choose this option, do not forget to announce the transfer to the Town Hall.
- Rent a license from a specialized company for about €3,500 per month.
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This authorization is valid for five years and must be renewed up to 3 months before expiration. Then you should follow two days or 14 hours of continuous training. If you validate the training, you will receive the certificate.
If you are self-employed, your car is also regulated. It must satisfy the following conditions:
- Maximum 9 seats including driver.
- A plate visible from the outside with your license number and the department you are authorized to practice in.
- Place a shiny “taxi” rectangle on your roof.
- Own a kilometer counter, a taximeter connected to a printer to invoice your customers.
- An electronic payment terminal.
Note that if you do not have a car, you can also rent it.
What are the other obligations to become a taxi driver?
It is not legally required to have a business bank account. However, if you are self-employed and open a business, you need to have a professional bank account. This will help you keep clear accounts and benefit from the benefits reserved for professionals.
You must have the following insurance:
- professional indemnity insurance.
- Passenger transport insurance.
Technical control of your car is mandatory from the first year of its activity and must be renewed every year.
questions to ask
Do I need to be a graduate to become a taxi driver?
No, you don’t have to be a graduate to become a taxi driver. You must have passed the CCPCT exam (Certificate of Professional Qualification if a taxi driver).
Can we become a taxi without a license?
No, you cannot become a taxi driver without a license. You must have an ADS (Parking Authority) license.
What is the salary for a taxi driver?
The average salary of a taxi driver is 1700€ per month. It then depends on your status whether you are employed or self-employed, your number of hours and your fees.