Taxi driving is a prevalent profession, driven by high demand and continuous recruitment. To evaluate the viability of choosing a career as a taxi driver, an examination of the advantages and disadvantages associated with the job is essential.
For those unfamiliar with the requirements for becoming a taxi driver, this article provides necessary information to guide aspiring individuals entering this profession.
The increasing demand for transportation services, coupled with the rapid development of public transportation, particularly taxi services, reflects the expansive career opportunities within the transportation industry.
Taxi driving involves using a motor vehicle to transport passengers, encompassing activities such as picking up and dropping off passengers, ensuring safe vehicle operation, maintaining cleanliness, and having the necessary equipment on board.
To embark on this profession, readers need to understand the prerequisites for taxi driving. Despite the popularity of taxi driving in Vietnam, many individuals still contemplate whether pursuing a career as a taxi driver is a suitable choice. To find an answer, readers must meticulously analyze the aspects and information presented in this article.
1. SHOULD ONE PURSUE A CAREER IN TAXI DRIVING?
1.1. ADVANTAGES
• As a widespread profession in Vietnam, taxi driving offers certain advantages:
• Taxi driving allows individuals to work autonomously, managing their own schedules and routes.
• Taxi drivers can arrange their driving hours according to their preferences, offering a high level of schedule control.
• Taxi driving does not necessitate higher education degrees.
• Taxi drivers can work in various locations and provide different types of services, offering a broad range of career opportunities.
• With regular working hours, taxi drivers can achieve a stable income.
1.2. DISADVANTAGES
Despite its advantages, taxi driving comes with specific considerations:
• Taxi drivers, especially those covering long distances or working at night, may experience extended working hours.
• Taxi driving demands high discipline as drivers must adhere to traffic regulations and manage their schedules effectively.
• The job entails pressure as drivers need to meet customer demands and ensure safety during transportation, sometimes leading to stress and sleep deprivation, especially for night shifts.
• Taxi drivers need strong communication skills to engage with passengers, creating a pleasant atmosphere during the journey and addressing customer needs.
2. REQUIREMENTS FOR BECOMING A TAXI DRIVER
Every profession has specific requirements regarding education, skills, experience, and suitable personality traits. To meet these requirements, individuals must prepare adequately and undergo relevant training before commencing work as taxi drivers. The following are key prerequisites:
2.1. POSSESSION OF A DRIVER’S LICENSE
For taxi drivers, obtaining a driver’s license is a fundamental requirement. This license is essential for driver registration and ensures that individuals can participate safely in traffic, validating their driving capabilities.
2.2. TAXI DRIVING LICENSE
To officially become a taxi driver, holding a professional taxi driving certificate is crucial. This certificate is issued by the hiring company during employment and may be revoked if the driver terminates their employment contract.
The validation of these documents is mandatory, particularly in cases of road accidents, where traffic police regularly inspect taxi drivers’ professional certificates. This certificate essentially serves as the driver’s “travel pass” during work.
2.3. SAFE DRIVING EXPERIENCE
Recruitment departments of taxi companies often assess candidates based on their driving experience. This criterion is crucial because experienced drivers demonstrate effective problem-solving skills and safer driving practices.
Drivers with over two years and 1,000 hours of driving experience may receive higher salaries, reflecting their accumulated expertise and facilitating salary negotiations.
2.4. EFFECTIVE PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS
Given the nature of continuous participation in traffic, especially in crowded conditions, effective problem-solving skills are essential for taxi drivers. They need to handle situations promptly in cases of accidents or inadvertent collisions to avoid disruptions to the journey.
2.5. MEETING HEALTH STANDARDS
With high-intensity, continuous work, especially during night shifts, all taxi drivers must meet health standards set by the Ministry of Health to engage in taxi driving professionally.
2.6. GEOGRAPHICAL KNOWLEDGE
To facilitate convenient and swift journeys, taxi drivers must be familiar with routes, short-cuts, and less congested paths. Relying solely on navigation apps may not optimize routes and travel times for passengers.
2.7. FRIENDLY AND HELPFUL ATTITUDE TOWARDS CUSTOMERS
In the service industry, prioritizing customer experience is paramount, and taxi driving is no exception. Drivers need to proactively engage in conversations, create a comfortable atmosphere during the journey, and assist passengers with luggage or directions.
3. APPLYING FOR TAXI XANH SM DRIVER PARTNERSHIP
3.1. BENEFITS OF BECOMING A TAXI XANH SM DRIVER
Becoming a taxi driver for Taxi Xanh SM offers numerous attractive benefits. Some of these benefits include:
A fixed salary of up to 11 million LAK, covering social insurance, health insurance, and unemployment insurance according to legal regulations.
Guaranteed annual health check-ups and formal training in the transportation service sector.
Clear career development guidance tailored to individual drivers.
For drivers without a personal vehicle, Taxi Xanh SM provides electric vehicles for professional use. Regarding vehicle allocation, drivers may either receive a dedicated vehicle or share one with another driver.
3.2. REQUIREMENTS FOR TAXI XANH SM DRIVERS
To join the Taxi Xanh SM driver community, individuals must meet specific requirements:
Possession of a driver’s license.
Age between 22 and 55.
No visible tattoos.
High service-oriented spirit and a desire to work in a professional environment.
Proficiency in the geographical area of application.
Additionally, preference is given to candidates meeting additional requirements:
Over one year of driving experience with technology-based companies, traditional taxi services, or contract driving.
Clear judicial record with no criminal history.
Good health, meeting the health requirements set by the Ministry of Health.
Willingness to work.