Driving for Taxify is quickly becoming one of the best alternatives for private hire drivers in London or you can run the Taxify app along sides the other cab booking apps on your phone such as Uber or Wheely. Using several different apps and switching between them will allow drivers to pick up more jobs and increase their earnings.
As Taxify is still relatively new to the UK market, many drivers are unsure of how they can become a Taxify driver in London. If you are considering joining up with Taxify then this blog post is for you. Fortunately, it isn’t as complicated process as you would think and we go over the steps you will need to take to successfully become a Taxyfy driver in London.
About Taxify
Taxify OÜ is an Estonian international transportation company that was started in Estonia and has headquartered in Tallinn. As of March 2017, Taxify operates in 18 countries and 25 cities in Europe, Western Asia, Africa and Mexico and has more than 1 million customers already.
Much like other popular ridesharing apps, the Taxify app is very easy to use and has many similar functions that you are already familiar with from other apps that you have been using. Also, Taxify places as much importance on its drivers as on customer so it is definitely worth to consider joining them if you want to work in London private hire industry. Another benefit driving for Taxify is that drivers in London only have to pay a 10-15 percent commission to the company, in comparison to many other cab firms that operate in London that is certainly a good deal.
So, How To Become A Taxify Driver In London
If you are already a privet hire driver in London then all you need to do is to sign up and register on Taxify website and download the Taxify Driver app at Google play store or Apple store.
On Taxify website you need to enter your personal and your car details first.
Next step is to enter your National Insurance Number and your Driving Licence Number
Now you will be asked to submit your usual documents like your car Mot document, a picture of yourself, a copy of your driving licence, your car insurance certificate, drivers private hire licence and your car PCO license and also a copy of your V5 logbook.
Once you have submitted all the required documents then you need to enter your bank details for receiving payments. Here you can choose between two options, you can submit your payment details as a company or as a person.
And the final step is to enter your email and password that you can use later to sign into your Taxify app and account.
And finally, once you have all the necessary documents uploaded, you can proceed to these final steps:
- Reserve a training slot with Taxify HERE, no walk-ins allowed.
- Bring along your PCO badge and documents you uploaded online to the training session.
- Driver photo: Have a photo of yourself ready in your phone or you can have your picture taken by Taxify after the training session.
The training is mandatory for every driver who wants to become a Taxify driver. The training session is approximately 30 minutes. Once you complete the training, you will be able to activate your Taxify Driver account and you have officially become a Taxify driver.
Here is a short introduction video how to use the Taxify App
New To The Privat Hire Industry?
So, if you are completely new to the private hire industry and you are toying with an idea to become a private hire driver then the following is what you need to do first before you can start driving for Taxify:
You must apply for the private hire driver license at Transport for London (Tfl). To get the license, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be over 21 years old at the time of applying. There is no upper age limit, as long as you meet the other licensing requirements.
- Have a valid DVLA, Northern Ireland, or other EEA state driving license for at least 3 years.
- Have the right to live and work in the UK.
- Do a police check (DBS – Disclosure and Barring Service) or criminal records check proving that you are a good character.
- Provide a Medical declaration from your general practitioner showing that you are medically fit in accordance with the DVLA Group 2 medical standards.
- Provide a topographical skills certificate from an accredited assessment centre.
- Provide an English language test results proving that you are able to communicate in English at an appropriate level. Drivers need to be able to communicate with passengers to discuss routes or fares, read, understand and respond to important regulatory, safety and travel information sent by Transport for London.
For more information and to apply for the private hire driver licence look here – Taxi and private hire licensing
A relative of mine works for Taxify. He was in the US for a few years studying and worked part time as a Uber driver there. Said it is kind of similar to that but easier to handle. I can’t imagine handling the traffic in London but I am sure it pays very very well! Had it not been for my friend, I would not even know what this place was. I don’t live in London or anywhere near so this is something that isn’t much of an option for me.
I have actually used their serves when I was in London and loved the experience. A friend of mine who moved there just started working for them as well and said it is a fun job. She said it hardly feels like she is at work which to me, is a good thing! I think it is a really good option for students and people in between jobs, or someone just looking for extra money to supplement what they make.