What Certificates Are Required to Become a Taxi Driver?
4 Answers
Required certificates include a driver's license, road transport practitioner qualification certificate, taxi driver's work permit, vehicle registration certificate, and health certificate. The first two certificates are valid nationwide, while the work permit is only valid locally. With the first two certificates, if you want to drive a taxi in another province, you only need to apply for the local taxi driver's work permit. If you have the above certificates, a taxi driver should also meet the following conditions: 1. Driver's License: Hold a driver's license that matches the permitted vehicle type and has a driving experience of at least two years. 2. Household Registration: Have a permanent residence in the local jurisdiction, be aged between 18 and 55, have good conduct, and no criminal record. 3. Character: Possess good professional ethics and at least a junior high school education, be in good health, and free from infectious diseases. 4. Familiarity with Routes: Be familiar with the streets, routes, and geographical locations within the jurisdiction. 5. Qualification Certificate: Obtain the certificate after passing the training, examination, and review process.
I've been driving a taxi for over ten years, and these documents must not be taken lightly. First is the driver's license, which must be a C1 or C2 license, proving you can drive. Then there's the taxi driver's professional qualification certificate, which requires attending training at the transportation department and passing an exam to learn about traffic safety and service standards. A health certificate is also essential; you need to undergo a medical check-up at the hospital every year to ensure you don't have any infectious diseases, safeguarding passenger safety. Additionally, in some big cities like Beijing or Shanghai, you might also need an operation permit, proving the vehicle complies with local regulations. When I was younger, I tried to skip one certificate to save trouble, but I got fined during an inspection, and it also affected my customer base. So, I advise everyone to get all the documents in order and maintain the vehicle regularly. Driver's licenses and qualification certificates must be renewed before they expire—don't wait until the last minute.
When I first started driving a taxi, I was most anxious to figure out what certificates were needed. The foundation is upgrading the driver's license to Class C, as a regular car license won't suffice. Next is obtaining the taxi driver's vocational qualification certificate, which requires registering at the transport management office to take a theoretical exam and practical assessment covering road knowledge and service standards. A health certificate is also necessary, with medical checks including vision and infectious disease screenings. Some places, like Guangzhou, additionally require an emergency training certificate to learn how to handle emergencies. I'm currently preparing these certificates—the process is quite time-consuming, but once completed, it brings peace of mind and can even enhance reputation to attract more business. Remember to check the validity periods, as they generally need renewal every two years.
From a safety perspective, the key documents for driving a taxi include a driver's license to ensure driving skills, a professional qualification certificate to verify specialized training, and a health certificate to eliminate health risks. These are not mere formalities but the foundation for accident prevention, such as the background checks required by the qualification certificate to combat potential criminal risks. In practice, regular inspections of vehicle conditions and document status are also necessary to prevent expiration. Neglecting any of these documents increases risks, and I emphasize the necessity of obtaining all of them.
