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Driver
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Taxi drivers charge passengers a fee based on the distance and time driven. In general, they:
Driving a taxi can be emotionally and physically demanding. Drivers work in all types of road and weather conditions. Some routinely lift luggage and other items weighing up to 20 kilograms.
Many drivers work 10 hours or more a day, often 6 days a week. Some drivers prefer to work night shifts because there is less traffic.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in driving to pick passengers up and transport them to their destinations
Interest in copying information to record transactions and collect flat-rate and taximeter fares
Interest in speaking to maintain contact with dispatchers
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Taxi drivers need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 130 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Dec 20, 2022 and Dec 20, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Pick up passengers and drive them to destinations | 118 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Collect fare | 105 |
| Tasks: Assist passengers with luggage and in boarding vehicles | 101 |
| Tasks: Attend to complaints or difficult passengers | 101 |
| Tasks: Record transactions | 98 |
| Tasks: Provide pick up and delivery services on request | 97 |
| Tasks: Clean and make minor repairs to vehicle | 92 |
| Tasks: Assist clients/guests with special needs | 90 |
| Tasks: Take vehicle for servicing | 71 |
| Construction Specialization: Reliability | 65 |
There are no standard education requirements, but taxi drivers must:
Some municipal taxi commissions require permit applicants to successfully complete a 2-day course for new drivers.
The municipality and individual cab companies monitor driver demerit points and moving convictions. Often, cab companies do not allow drivers to work if they have more than 6 demerit points.
For a list of driving schools in Alberta, please go to the Open Alberta website.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Most taxi drivers are self-employed. Some drivers own their own vehicles. Others prefer to lease or rent a vehicle.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Taxi and limousine drivers and chauffeurs
2016 NOC: 7513
75.1% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Most drivers work on a flat rate per shift and may receive tips. The driver pays a certain amount per day or per week to the company. This covers the cost of using the cab and on-board computer. Revenues over that amount belong to the driver. Some drivers work part time or have other jobs.
Out of their earnings, owner-drivers must pay expenses such as gas, oil, repairs, car payments, and stand rent. This may leave little profit. Another option is to hire another driver to drive the cab on a second shift. This way, the car runs almost 24 hours a day.
Updated Mar 31, 2024. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
