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Taxi Driver - How to get into this job

Kaitaraiwa Waka Kawe Pāhihi

Entry Requirements

To become a taxi driver you need to have held a Class 1 licence for at least two years and have a passenger (P) endorsement, which includes police clearance. You also need to pass a medical test, a taxi knowledge test and a full licence driving test.

An Area Knowledge Certificate must also be gained before working for a taxi company.

Further information on driver licensing is available from Land Transport New Zealand, which also provides a list of approved course providers for occupational drivers.

Land Transport NZ website - list of approved course providers for occupational drivers

"To become a taxi driver you have to have done a P (passenger) endorsement course, you have to go through police checks, you have to sit a certificate of law and knowledge, so there’s quite a bit involved."

Tim Reddish - Executive Director, New Zealand Taxi Federation

Tertiary Education

You may choose to become qualified by completing various courses set up by Tranzqual, which will lead to a National Certificate in Commercial Road Transport.

Tranzqual website - information on the National Certificate in Commercial Road Transport

Relevant courses

Automotive Vehicle Operations

Training on the job

Many skills can be gained on the job, such as learning how fares are charged and how to operate taxi equipment.

"Because I'm a shuttle driver I have a trailer, which takes a while to get used to. It just takes practice – all those times I didn't want to take the rubbish to the tip on the trailer, I should have."

Lilly Taopua - Shuttle Driver