Taxi Plate - Any Advice?

Taxi Plate - Any Advice?

Author
Discussion

Valencian

Original Poster:

1 posts

94 months

Sunday 15th October 2017
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Hi there,

I'm a 23-year-old masters student and fancy doing a bit of Uber driving in my free time.

I really do not know the first thing about getting a taxi plate, but it almost seems like 'anybody' can do it now - which is what appeals to me.


It would be greatly appreciated if members could share some knowledge on what the process is for getting a plate. I'm guessing there are multiple fees for multiple different things - as this is no doubt part of a councils 'staple' income.

I'm also guessing there would be some kind of competency test not too dissimilar from a driving license?

I live in the Yorkshire area but have noticed drivers tend to hold licenses from many different councils - is this because they are cheaper/easier to get in other areas ?

Also, I have a 2006 Nissan Almera - is my car automatically too old?

And lastly how long does a plate last? i've heard all sorts of stories that plates can be transferred from one person to another i.e. they are not unique to the driver?


Sorry lots of questions - but hopefully someone can clear all this ambiguity up pretty quickly who is experienced in this area.




grumpy52

5,717 posts

173 months

Monday 16th October 2017
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Taxi plates vary from council to council , the age of vehicles varies from area to area , many have a vehicle test every 6 months to a year as well as a normal mot , some have colour specs of cars , then there is the taxi driver licence which often includes background checks .
Uber are not as thorough which is the reason for the protests from London black cabbies .
Add in the insurance costs and the earnings rate is fairly low despite what many drivers will tell you . What they tell the tax man and what they earn can be far apart .

Eddieslofart

1,328 posts

90 months

Sunday 29th October 2017
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I’d be surprised if you would get insured for private hire at 23.

kiethton

14,071 posts

187 months

Sunday 29th October 2017
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A lot of the London Uber drivers use hire cars, even enterprise had a huge fleet of Prius/minicabs with TFL plates.

This would then include your insurance and car, you'd lose a chunk of your take home though.

https://www.enterprise.co.uk/en/business-car-hire/...

JayMawds1982

24 posts

126 months

Sunday 29th October 2017
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I'm a cabbie and my advice to anyone who is thinking of getting in on this game is very simple....DON'T DO IT!!!

No, no, no, no. Go and find something else to do.