Profession taxi driver

Taxi drivers drive a taxicab, van or limousine (company or privately owned) to take passengers and their luggage to the desired destination.

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Personality Type

• Enterprising / Social

Tasks taxi driver

• Check the vehicle, e.g. lights, brakes and windscreen wipers, to ensure proper operation.
• Perform minor repairs and routine vehicle maintenance, e.g. clean the vehicle, and check tyre pressure, petrol, oil and water.
• Communicate with the base using radio, telephone or computer systems, e.g. to receive requests for passenger service and to report delays or vehicle problems.
• Pick up passengers, e.g. at prearranged locations, at taxi stands, or by cruising streets.
• Assist passengers entering and getting off the vehicle, and help in lifting luggage.
• Determine the best route to passenger's destination, e.g. by using local knowledge or navigation equipment.
• Drive the vehicle with care following safety, traffic, taxi operation, etc. regulations.
• Inform and advise passengers, e.g. of delays or unforeseen circumstances.
• Keep accurate records, e.g. of driver shifts, trip information (e.g. time and place of pick-up and drop-off), fares and expenses.
• Receive payments for fares and give change.
• Take adequate measures in case of accidents or emergencies, e.g. by notifying appropriate authorities, taking safety measures, etc.

Related professions driver

• Bus driver public transport
• Bus driver schoolchildren, elderly or handicapped persons
• Bus driver touring car
• Car driver
• Car driver, executive chauffeur
• Cash and valuables transporter, ATM driver
• Cycle courier
• Driver of animal-drawn vehicles or machinery
• Locomotive-engine driver
• Motorcycle driver
• Rickshaw driver
• Train driver
• Tram or metro driver
• Truck driver
• Truck driver long distances
• Van driver

Knowledge

• Geographic areas

  Know the geographic area in detail; know where different organisations carry out operations.

• Mechanical components of vehicles

  Know the mechanical components used in vehicles and identify and resolve potential malfunctions.

• Effective perception of transport environment

  Know the local transport topography, including roads, traffic hotspots, and alternative routes to reach a destination. Use knowledge to transport the vehicle to its destination in the most time and fuel efficient manner, and minimising safety risks.

Skills

• Provide customers with price information

  Provide customers with accurate and up-to-date information about charges and price rates.

• Tolerate stress

  Maintain a temperate mental state and effective performance under pressure or adverse circumstances.

• Maintain vehicle appearance

  Maintain vehicle appearance by washing, cleaning and performing minor adjustments and repairs.

• Operate GPS systems

  Use GPS Systems.

• Use communication devices

  Operate communication devices in order to interact with customers, colleagues, and others.

• Drive in urban areas

  Drive vehicles in urban areas. Interpret and understand transit signs in a city, the regulation of traffic, and the related common automobility agreements in an urban area.

• Handle petty cash

  Handle petty cash for minor expenses and transactions required for the daily running of a business.

• Tolerate sitting for long periods

  Have the patience to remain seated for long periods of time; maintain an appropriate and ergonomic posture while sitting.

• Ensure vehicle operability

  Keep the vehicle clean and in roadworthy condition. Ensure regular maintenance of the vehicle and provide valid official documents such as licenses and permits where appropriate.

• Lift heavy weights

  Lift heavy weights and apply ergonomic lifting techniques to avoid damaging the body.

• Park vehicles

  Park motorised vehicles without compromising the integrity of vehicles and safety of people.

• Operate radio dispatch systems for taxis

  Operate radio dispatching systems for taxi driving activities.

• Read maps

  Read maps effectively.

• Communicate with customers

  Respond to and communicate with customers in the most efficient and appropriate manner to enable them to access the desired products or services, or any other help they may require.

• Apply knowledge of human behaviour

  Practice principles related to group behaviour, trends in society, and influence of societal dynamics.

• Use different communication channels

  Make use of various types of communication channels such as verbal, handwritten, digital and telephonic communication with the purpose of constructing and sharing ideas or information.

• Follow verbal instructions

  Have the ability to follow spoken instructions received from colleagues. Strive to understand and clarify what is being requested.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB