Taxi Driver, Shuttle Driver, or Chauffeur
Taxi Driver, Shuttle Driver, or Chauffeur
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What Taxi Drivers, Shuttle Drivers, and Chauffeurs Do
Taxi drivers (including ride-hailing drivers), shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs drive people to and from the places they need to go, such as homes, workplaces, airports, and shopping centers.
Duties
Taxi drivers, shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs typically do the following:
- Drive taxicabs, vans, limousines, or other motor vehicles to transport passengers
- Pick up passengers and listen to where they want to go
- Help passengers load and unload their luggage, packages, or other belongings
- Check the vehicle for problems and do basic maintenance
- Keep the inside and outside of the vehicle clean
- Operate wheelchair lifts when needed
- Collect fare, if applicable, at passengers’ destinations
- Keep a record of miles traveled
Taxi drivers, shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs must stay alert and watch the conditions of the road. They take precautions to ensure their passengers’ safety, especially in heavy traffic or bad weather. Taxi drivers and chauffeurs also must follow vehicle-for-hire or livery regulations, such as where they can pick up passengers and how much they can charge.
Drivers are usually familiar with the streets in the areas they serve. They often use Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation to choose efficient routes. They may know on their own how to reach popular destinations, such as airports, train stations, convention centers, hotels, and other points of interest, as well as how to find fire and police stations and hospitals in case of an emergency.
Taxi drivers (including ride-hailing drivers) are summoned to pick up passengers and drive them, for a fare, to a destination stated by the passenger. Taxi drivers—also called cabdrivers or cabbies—typically get requests via a central dispatcher; ride-hailing drivers get requests through a smartphone app. In addition, taxi drivers may pick up passengers who wait at designated sites, such as train stations or hotels, or who signal their need for a ride from public places, such as sidewalks. While taxi drivers use a meter to calculate the fare, ride-hailing drivers pay a fare that is typically specified in the app.
Shuttle drivers and chauffeurs take passengers on planned trips. Shuttle drivers often drive large vans between airports or train stations and hotels or other destinations. Chauffeurs drive limousines, vans, or private vehicles and are hired to transport clients either for single trips or on a regular basis. Some chauffeurs have the duties of executive assistants, acting as driver, secretary, and itinerary planner.
Work Environment
Shuttle drivers and chauffeurs held about 218,400 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of shuttle drivers and chauffeurs were as follows:
| Other transit and ground passenger transportation | 22% |
| Taxi and limousine service | 12 |
| Automobile dealers | 6 |
| Local government, excluding education and hospitals | 6 |
| Services for the elderly and persons with disabilities | 6 |
Taxi drivers held about 177,300 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of taxi drivers were as follows:
| Self-employed workers | 91% |
| Taxi and limousine service | 7 |
Taxi drivers, shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs held about 318,000 jobs in 2021. The largest employers of taxi drivers, shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs were as follows:
Self-employed workers includes those classified as independent contractors. Many taxi drivers, shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs typically work with little or no supervision.
Some taxi drivers own the cab they drive; others lease it from a dispatch company. Regardless of whether they own or lease their vehicle, taxi drivers may contract with a dispatch company to use its passenger-referral service or facilities for a fee. Ride-hailing drivers typically operate their own vehicles. Taxi drivers and ride-hailing drivers usually pay expenses, such as fuel and maintenance, on their vehicle.
Driving through heavy traffic or bad weather may be stressful. Drivers may have to pick up heavy luggage and packages, so they must use proper lifting technique to prevent strain or injury. Most of the injuries they incur result from traffic accidents.
Work Schedules
Work hours vary for taxi drivers, shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs. Some work part time. Evening and weekend work is common. Some drivers work early in the morning or late at night.
Taxi and ride-hailing drivers’ work schedules are often flexible.
Shuttle drivers and chauffeurs' work schedules usually are more structured. They may have a set schedule, or they may work hours based on client needs. Some chauffeurs are on call throughout the day and must be ready to drive clients at a moment’s notice.
Getting Started
How to Become a Taxi Driver, Shuttle Driver, or Chauffeur
Taxi drivers, shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs typically have no formal educational requirements, although many drivers have a high school diploma or equivalent. They typically get brief on-the-job training. They also may need a special driver’s license, such as a taxi or limousine license. Clean driving records and background checks are sometimes required.
Education
Taxi drivers, shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs typically do not need formal educational credentials to enter the occupation. For drivers who are not self-employed, however, companies may prefer to hire drivers who have a high school diploma or postsecondary education.
Training
Companies that hire taxi drivers, shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs typically provide new drivers with a short period of on-the-job training. This training usually takes from 1 day to 2 weeks, depending on the company and the location. Some cities require the training, which typically covers local traffic laws, driver safety, and street layout. Taxi drivers also get training in operating the taximeter and communications equipment.
Ride-hailing drivers typically receive little to no on-the-job training beyond how to work the electronic hailing app so that they can pick up passengers.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
All taxi drivers, shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs must have a driver’s license. States and local municipalities set other requirements; check with your state or local agency for more information.
Taxi drivers and chauffeurs may need a taxi or limousine license. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires drivers who transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) to hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL) with a passenger (P) endorsement. Licensure normally requires passing a background check, drug test, driving skills test, and written exam about regulations and local geography.
Regulations for ride-hailing drivers vary by state and city.
Advancement
Some taxi drivers start their own cab service by purchasing a taxi rather than leasing one through a dispatch company. Chauffeurs may advance with increased responsibilities or experiences, such as driving high-profile clients or different types of cars.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of taxi drivers, shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs is projected to grow 14 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 55,400 openings for taxi drivers, shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Employment
Strong employment growth is expected as people continue to rely on these drivers for their transportation needs. Much of the projected growth stems from a greater demand for ride-hailing drivers, who typically work as independent contractors.
Employment of taxi drivers (which includes ride-hailing drivers), shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs may be concentrated in metropolitan areas.
Demand also may arise from an increasing population of older people with chronic conditions who use these services for nonemergency healthcare transportation.
Contacts for More Information
For more information about taxi drivers and chauffeurs, visit
The Transportation Alliance (TA)
For more information about limousine drivers, visit
National Limousine Association (NLA)
For more information about ride-hailing drivers, visit
For more information about commercial licensing, visit
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
Similar Occupations
This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of taxi drivers, shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs.
| Occupation | Job Duties | Entry-Level Education | Median Annual Pay, May 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
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