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Taxi Driver

Taxi drivers operate automobiles and vans to transport paying passengers.

Also Known As

Driver

NOC Codes

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

  • 7413.1: Taxi and Limousine Drivers

2006 NOC-S

  • H713: Taxi and Limousine Drivers and Chauffeurs

2011 NOC

  • 7513: Taxi and limousine drivers and chauffeurs

2016 NOC

  • 7513: Taxi and limousine drivers and chauffeurs

2021 NOC

  • 75200: Taxi and limousine drivers and chauffeurs

2023 OaSIS

  • 75200.01: Taxi and limousine drivers
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2024

Taxi drivers charge passengers a fee based on the distance and time driven. In general, they:

  • Pick up or meet passengers in response to a dispatched call or a pre-arranged booking
  • Help passengers board or leave the taxi
  • Provide directions and information about the area, town, or city
  • Report to a central dispatcher by radio or computer monitor
  • Drive vehicles safely and efficiently to desired destinations
  • Collect fares and make change
  • Clean vehicles daily
  • Perform routine meter and vehicle maintenance checks such as checking tires and oil levels
  • Ensure that vehicles meet mechanical safety standards
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2024
  • Strength Required Lift up to 20 kg

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.

Interests & Abilities

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.

Taxi and Limousine Drivers

2006 NOC: 7413.1

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
OBJECTIVE

Interest in driving to pick passengers up and transport them to their destinations

METHODICAL

Interest in copying information to record transactions and collect flat-rate and taximeter fares

SOCIAL

Interest in speaking to maintain contact with dispatchers

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

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.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

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.

Learn About Abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2024

Taxi drivers need:

  • Interpersonal skills to be courteous and tactful when dealing with the public
  • Physical coordination and spatial awareness to safely operate a vehicle
  • Patience and coping skills for dealing with traffic and difficult passengers
  • Cleanliness (both personal grooming and the vehicle’s condition)
  • Awareness of passengers’ comfort and safety needs
  • Self-discipline

They should enjoy:

  • Driving
  • Having clear rules and guidelines for their work
  • Interacting with people

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.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Taxi and limousine drivers and chauffeurs

2016 NOC: 7513

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 123 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Dec 20, 2022 and Oct 04, 2024.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Tasks: Pick up passengers and drive them to destinations
Tasks: Assist passengers with luggage and in boarding vehicles
Tasks: Collect fare
Tasks: Attend to complaints or difficult passengers
Tasks: Provide pick up and delivery services on request
Tasks: Record transactions
Tasks: Assist clients/guests with special needs
Tasks: Clean and make minor repairs to vehicle
Tasks: Take vehicle for servicing
Reliability
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2024
  • Minimum Education Varies

There are no standard education requirements, but taxi drivers must:

  • Have an Alberta Class 4 driver’s licence
  • Be able to speak clearly and provide good customer service
  • Have a thorough knowledge of local house numbering systems
  • Have a thorough knowledge of the locations of important buildings and landmarks
  • Have a municipal taxi permit and no criminal convictions (a criminal record check must be obtained from the police)

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.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2024
  • Certification Not Regulated

There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2024

 

Most taxi drivers are self-employed. Some drivers own their own vehicles. Others prefer to lease or rent a vehicle.

Industry Concentration

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.

3-Year Job Market Forecast

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.

Taxi and limousine drivers and chauffeurs
2021 NOC: 75200
Lower
Demand
4,600
Employed

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.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

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:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

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
4.6%
Annual Growth
(Above Average)
223
New Positions

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.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2024

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.

Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Driver Training

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.

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