What kind of driver's license is needed to drive a taxi?
2 Answers
To drive a taxi, you need to hold a Class C or higher driver's license, or have at least 3 years of safe driving experience with a Class B2, B1, or A1 license. In addition to the driver's license, you must register with the local transportation management department, pass a unified training and examination, and obtain a taxi driver's qualification certificate issued by the transportation management department. Only after registration with the transportation management department can you engage in taxi operations. To drive a taxi, you also need the following documents: Taxi driver's work permit; Vehicle registration certificate; Health certificate. Taxi drivers must also meet the following requirements: Have a permanent residence in the local jurisdiction, be between 18 and 55 years old, have good conduct, and no criminal record; Possess good professional ethics and at least a junior high school education, be in good health, and free from infectious diseases; Be familiar with the local streets, routes, and geographical locations; Specific requirements for the taxi driver's qualification certificate: No records of traffic crime, dangerous driving crime, drug use, or drunk driving, and no accumulation of 12 penalty points in the last 3 consecutive scoring cycles; No records of violent crimes; Other conditions stipulated by the local municipal government.
Getting my taxi driver's license was quite an ordeal! A regular C1 license is the foundation, but to operate a commercial vehicle, you must additionally obtain a 'Road Passenger Transport Driver's Certificate.' This certificate requires at least three years of driving experience with a regular license, being under 60 years old, and passing an exam administered by the local transportation authority. I spent two weeks memorizing the question bank, which covered urban road planning, passenger first aid knowledge, and even troubleshooting fare meters. The exam consisted of a written test and a road test, with the latter specifically evaluating driving skills in complex urban areas. After obtaining the certificate, annual continuing education is mandatory—far stricter than for a regular license. Most importantly, your driving record must be clean, with no serious violations like drunk driving.
