Sidney Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 Fantastic, we've not had a "Let's slag off taxi driver drivers" thread for at least a week or two. If you are actually serious about doing this job it would help to find a taxi owner who is looking for a driver and get him/her to assist you through the process of getting your badge. Be prepared to need a medical costing a minimum of £60, be police vetted and provide every address you have lived at since the age of 18. The knowledge test is not as easy as people think; most people go into it thinking "I've lived on the IOM for X amount of years so should have no problem" then find out it isn't quite that simple. There is a good living to be made out of this job, but as Lonan3 says, be prepared to work a hell of a lot of hours. I put in about 70 hours a week minimum on shift, depending on how many hours our part timers can do. The plus points are the money, the chance to meet many varied and interesting people, the chance to spend a lot of time reading while sat on the rank and spend a lot of time listening to music. The minus points are mindless and abusive drunks, people who constantly whine about the fare even before you switch the meter on (As a point of interest, the fares on the IOM are calculated to reflect an average of those charged across the British Isles, so where they are cheaper than some areas they are more expensive than others), idiots who cannot handle drink vomitting in your car which YOU then have to clean up, being spat at, shouted at, assaulted and generally being treated like shit. Skrappey; if you live in Douglas or thereabouts, contact one of the Douglas drivers who post on here for advice, if you are in Ramsey then PM me. I will help you get your badge and may be able to offer you a job. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Thriller Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 Watch out for the question - Q) what route would you take if you are going to the mona lisa in Laxey, alot of people get mixed up with the Lady Isabella. I dont know why but they do, they must be the ones that fail. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lonan3 Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 P.S. Don't take Sydney too seriously. He was working in Douglas, went to Ramsey, and hasn't managed to find his way back yet! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nitro Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 80 hours a week!, blimey!, guess thats why some taxi drivers are always grumpy bastards!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
P.K. Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 I have some questions: This involves taking a written test on your knowledge of the roads throughout the island. Why can't your GPS answer this test? As a driver, if you wish it to be your full-time occupation, you will need to work the best part of 70 to 80 hours per week in order to make a reasonable living. What renumeration constitutes a "reasonable" living? Also isn't there some new legislation on the way changing the rules? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keyboarder Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 How can working 80 hours a week be a reasonable living more to the point? Unless you're a workaholic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
P.K. Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 Because effort equates to appropriate reward. It's something Scribbling Servants can never understand.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Thriller Posted February 22, 2008 Share Posted February 22, 2008 A mate of mine works 12 - 15 hours a day, I say f**k that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pat Ayres Posted February 22, 2008 Author Share Posted February 22, 2008 And how much does he take home? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hboy Posted February 22, 2008 Share Posted February 22, 2008 Seems like a great job. I see from the Independent all you have to do is drive a few people to the airport and then blag their houses whilst they are away on holiday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erik Bloodaxe Posted February 24, 2008 Share Posted February 24, 2008 And make sure you know the difference between Falcon Street, Falcon Mews, Falcon Cliff Apartments, Falcon Apartments, Falcon Cliff Court, Falcon Cliff Place, Glen Falcon Road, Glen Falcon Terrace, Falcon Cliff Terrace and Falcon Cliff Terrace Lane. Er...and the Old Falcon Brewery The RTLC (Road Transport Licensing Committee) office is at Prospect Chambers, just up from the pub, and they would have application forms for your hackney licence and could point you in the right direction, also the proprietors of the main taxi firms in Douglas could advise you. Best way is to drive for someone on a 50/50 split until you know what you are doing. I would prefer to drive for someone than have my own plate anyway. Just depends who you drive for. Some people are better to be involved with than others. Like life generally. Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pat Ayres Posted February 24, 2008 Author Share Posted February 24, 2008 Thanks everyone, I'm off there in the morning Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Thriller Posted February 24, 2008 Share Posted February 24, 2008 And how much does he take home? Not too sure, enough to pay a morgage, buy himself a brand new taxi and save money at the same time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fossils Posted February 24, 2008 Share Posted February 24, 2008 Seems like a great job. I see from the Independent all you have to do is drive a few people to the airport and then blag their houses whilst they are away on holiday. Apparently he had one trip too many. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pat Ayres Posted March 19, 2008 Author Share Posted March 19, 2008 Did my 'knowledge' test today, not as hard as I thought it might be but still hard enough. I answered all the qiestions but I know some are wrong. I don't think I passed because I answered one question in an old school stylee and they've changed the signs since I last noticed them! Plus I couldn't remember where a certain night club is, I'll have to get out more often. Never mind. Should have called me this afternoon with pass/fail but no call as yet. I'll ring tomorrow and book another test for two weeks time, probably. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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