Busting 15 of the most common misconceptions the public has around taxi drivers
- Perry Richardson
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Taxi drivers face a range of tired assumptions about who they are and how they work. From the claim they rely solely on GPS, to the idea they only took the job as a last resort, many of these views don’t hold up to scrutiny. Whether it’s misunderstanding their qualifications, professionalism or day-to-day reality, these fifteen common misconceptions paint an inaccurate picture of a trade that remains highly skilled, regulated and essential across the UK.
They’re all uneducated.
A lazy stereotype. Many taxi drivers hold degrees or professional qualifications from electricians to lawyers.
They’re only in it because they couldn’t do anything else.
Quite the contrary – many choose the profession for its flexibility, autonomy, and earning potential.
They don’t know where they’re going without GPS.
Not in cities like London, where cabbies must pass The Knowledge, a gruelling test of over 25,000 streets. It might seem unthinkable to some but taxi drivers BEAT the sat-nav routes more often than not. Sat-nav’s are great if you need to get from A-to-B in some form, but it doesn’t reason the route like a cabbie can.
They’re always trying to rip you off.
While bad apples exist in any walk of life, the vast majority adhere strictly to meters, regulations, and ethical practice. It also makes little sense going the ‘long-way round’. Taxi drivers make more money getting their customers to their destinations quicker and then finding another passenger paying the starting ‘flag fall’ rate. Sitting in traffic also slows the meter down.
All taxi drivers are male.
False. Women do drive taxis – though yes, they are still underrepresented, female drivers are increasingly visible in the industry.
They drive recklessly and think they rule the roads.
Taxi drivers are typically safer and more experienced behind the wheel than the average motorist given the time spent behind the wheel. The industry is highly regulated and poor driving could cost them their livelihood and years of work studying to enter the trade. They are unlikely to risk it all by driving recklessly.
They’re rude or antisocial.
Like any industry, cabbies represent a cross-section of the community they service. Many are friendly, conversational, and enjoy connecting with passengers – though some are more introverted, like any other human being.
They don’t pay taxes.
Taxi drivers are self-employed – they’re legally required to report earnings and pay tax like anyone else. They also face extra HMRC tax checks unlike many other industries which they must submit at the point of licensing. Driver earnings are also submitted by booking app platforms which must tally with driver accounts.
They’re indifferent to safety.
Most drivers prioritise passenger safety – seat belts, clean vehicles, and avoiding risky maneuverers are common practice. Taxi drivers will often wait to ensure lone passengers safely enter their property. London black cabbies must have two annual MOT’s and have an additional ’overhaul’ test that checks all aspects of the taxi for the passengers safety.
They’re tech-averse.
Modern taxi drivers use booking apps, navigation tools, and digital payment systems regularly – it’s part of the job. In London taxi drivers were using an app based booking app called Hailo, before Uber even arrived in the UK. Taxi drivers have led the change to electric vehicles with over 9,000 black cabs now in the capital alone.
They don’t care about customer service.
Reputation matters, especially in competitive markets. A courteous driver gets more tips and repeat business.
They work all night and sleep all day.
The joy of the job is that cabbies can work whenever they want. Many keep conventional hours – night shifts are a better paid choice, but not a rule.
They don’t have families or personal lives.
A dehumanising myth – they juggle life and work just like anyone else. It’s what makes cabbies relatable and a great sounding board.
Their job isn’t physically or mentally demanding.
Long hours, intense concentration, and dealing with unpredictable passengers make it one of the tougher gigs out there. Remaining physically active between shifts or even between jobs is important to many cabbies. The flexibly of the job means cabbies can stop to go to the gym or exercise whenever they want.
They’re obsolete thanks to ride-hailing apps.
Far from it. Licensed taxis still hold legal, logistical and reputational advantages in many urban centres. The ability to cut out the commission fees makes their model more lean than those private hire drivers solely working ride-hailing platforms.
