How Much Do Cab Drivers Earn?

Find out how much taxi drivers make in the UK, what training is needed, salary factors, pros and cons, and the best firms to drive for.

How Much Do Cab Drivers Earn? Full Career and Salary Guide

Cab drivers are a vital part of the UK’s transport system, helping people get where they need to go quickly, safely, and often at unsociable hours. Whether you’re driving a black cab in London or a private hire vehicle in Manchester, it’s a role that offers independence and flexible hours—but how much do cab drivers actually earn?

This guide explains the job, how to get started, earning potential, tax, and the companies and apps that offer the best driving opportunities in today’s market.

Job Description: What Do Cab Drivers Do?

Cab drivers transport passengers to and from locations for a fee. This can include airport runs, local trips, school contracts, late-night services or corporate clients.

Core responsibilities include:

  • Picking up passengers and helping them with luggage

  • Using navigation tools to choose the best route

  • Charging accurate fares and taking payments

  • Keeping the vehicle clean and roadworthy

  • Following road safety rules and licensing regulations

  • Communicating with dispatch or ride-hailing platforms

  • Dealing with delays, difficult customers, or route changes

Drivers can work for a taxi company, drive independently, or use ride-hailing apps like Uber, Bolt, or Free Now.

How Hard Is It to Become a Cab Driver?

It’s relatively accessible, but you need to meet licensing requirements from your local authority or Transport for London (TfL). In London, becoming a black cab driver is particularly challenging due to "The Knowledge"—an intense memorisation of thousands of streets and landmarks.

Outside of London, it’s simpler. Most councils require a private hire licence, which includes background checks, a medical, and a local knowledge test.

Traits and Characteristics You Need

To succeed as a cab driver, you should be:

  • Friendly and polite, with good customer service skills

  • Patient, especially in traffic or with difficult passengers

  • Reliable and punctual, timekeeping matters

  • Safety-conscious, for both driving and passenger welfare

  • Calm under pressure, especially on long shifts

  • Able to manage cash, cards, and apps efficiently

Do You Need Qualifications?

You don’t need academic qualifications, but licensing is mandatory.

Requirements typically include:

  • Full UK driving licence (held for 12 months minimum)

  • Age 21+ (in most areas)

  • Enhanced DBS background check

  • Medical assessment to confirm fitness to drive

  • Local council taxi or private hire licence

  • Knowledge test (local routes, law, customer service)

  • In some areas, you may need a driving assessment

  • English language test (London)

  • ‘The Knowledge’ test (London black cab only – can take 2–4 years to pass)

Training time varies: 2–4 weeks for private hire, 2+ years for black cab licensing.

What Are the Different Types of Cab Drivers?

  • Private Hire Driver (PHV) – Pre-booked only, can’t pick up from the street

  • Hackney Carriage (Taxi) – Can be hailed or wait at taxi ranks

  • Black Cab Driver – TfL-licensed with The Knowledge (highest barrier to entry)

  • Chauffeur / Executive Driver – High-end service for business clients

  • App-based driver – Uber, Bolt, Free Now, etc.

What Experience Do You Need?

No specific previous experience is required. However, helpful backgrounds include:

  • Delivery driving

  • Public transport or logistics

  • Customer service roles

  • Any professional driving position (minicab, courier, etc.)

New drivers can start earning quickly after licensing, but income improves with familiarity, customer base, and hours worked.

Benefits of Being a Cab Driver

  • Flexible hours – You choose when to work

  • No formal qualifications needed

  • Can earn more during peak times

  • Self-employment opportunities

  • Good local knowledge can lead to loyal customers

  • App-based platforms make it easier to find work

  • Regular cash flow, especially in busy areas

Drawbacks and Negatives

  • Unpredictable income, especially if self-employed

  • Long hours and fatigue

  • Working nights, weekends, or holidays

  • Passenger issues – drunkenness, arguments, fare dodgers

  • Running costs – insurance, fuel, vehicle maintenance, licensing fees

  • Risk of fines or licence suspension for infractions

How Much Do Cab Drivers Earn in the UK?

Earnings vary widely depending on location, hours worked, vehicle ownership, and platform used.

Trainee/Starting Out: £18,000 – £25,000

Private Hire (full-time): £28,000 – £40,000

Black Cab Driver (London): £40,000 – £60,000

Executive Chauffeur: £50,000 – £70,000+

App Driver (e.g. Uber): £20,000 – £35,000 (net)

Tax Example:

A cab driver earning £35,000/year (self-employed) could pay:

  • Income Tax: approx. £3,432 (after personal allowance)

  • National Insurance: approx. £2,400 (Class 2 + Class 4)

  • Net income: around £29,000/year or £560/week

Self-employed drivers can reduce tax through allowable expenses: fuel, insurance, servicing, licence fees, and platform commissions.

What Factors Affect Salary?

  • Location – London and big cities pay more

  • Peak hours – Nights and weekends pay more

  • Vehicle type – Executive cars command higher fares

  • Working hours – More hours = more money

  • Platform – Uber/Bolt take a commission, private hire drivers may earn more direct

  • Licensing level – Black cab drivers earn more due to ‘The Knowledge’

What’s the Future for This Role?

The future of cab driving is mixed. While demand for transport is high, the rise of:

  • Autonomous vehicles

  • Electric vehicle regulations

  • App-based pricing competition

means the industry is changing. Still, personal service, flexible hours, and local knowledge will keep human drivers in demand—especially in urban or high-income areas.

Best Companies and Platforms to Work For

Top companies and apps include:

  • Uber – Flexible hours, app control, instant payments

  • Bolt – Lower commission than Uber, growing in UK cities

  • Free Now – Partnering with black cab and PHV drivers

  • Addison Lee – Executive and corporate clients

  • Gett – Focus on licensed black cab drivers

  • Local private hire firms – Often pay better per job, regular bookings

  • Taxi firms with school contracts – Reliable, term-time work

For stability, local cab firms with school, hospital, or council contracts offer consistent hours and income.

Final Thought

Being a cab driver can be a flexible, independent way to earn a living. You don’t need a degree or prior experience—just a licence, a clean driving record, and good customer skills. While it’s not without challenges, the role offers freedom and fair earnings, especially for those willing to put in the hours and build a solid customer base.