Nelson City Taxis Careers

Fancy a career in a rewarding industry?

If you are serious about a career in the passenger transport industry then taxi driving may be the right job for you. You MUST be a people person. Dealing with people in a close environment requires high-level customer service skills and often a lot of patience.

You will meet wonderful people, make money while doing it and potentially have a very rewarding career.

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about becoming a Taxi driver:

- How much money can you make as a taxi driver?

This is dependent on many factors. Such as, how many hours you work, what shifts you work (Night or Day shift) and how willing you are to succeed at your job.

- How much does it cost for a P-Endorsement?

You need a P endorsement (Passenger Endorsement). Every taxi driver requires a P endorsement before they can begin driving for any taxi organisation in New Zealand. In order to obtain a P-endorsement you must apply by completing an application form available through New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA), or download the form below, then you will need to sit an examination for your P-endorsement. 

Download form

- Is being a taxi driver dangerous?

When driving a taxi you will come across some interesting people, especially when working nightshifts.

However, all taxis are fitted with security cameras for both driver and passenger safety. Every driver also has access to an emergency ‘Help’ button on their in-car MTData modem. If you require emergency assistance, you press the Emergency Button on your modem which notifies both the call centre supervisor and Nelson Police that you require immediate attention. Any drivers in the area will come to your aid as will a Nelson Police patrol car. The important thing is to remember is to stay calm and that the incident taking place in your vehicle is being recorded and monitored (the call centre supervisor can hear everything happening in your taxi) and help will be on the way.

- What hours can I work?

This will be dependent on the Shareholder you work for and will be discussed at the initial meeting.

The Land Transport Act 1998 limits the work time hours of all drivers of vehicles used in a transport service other than rental service (this includes taxis).

The Land Transport Rules, Work Time and Logbook rules 2007 requires all drivers of vehicles used in a transport service to maintain a logbook that has been approved by the Director of Land Transport.

- Work Time

Work time includes time spent performing work-related duties, driving vehicles, loading and unloading vehicles, administrative work or any other paid employment.

Instead of recording ‘on-duty time’ and ‘driving hours’ separately, all time spent working must be recorded as ‘work time’.

- Rest Time

As taxi drivers undertaking ‘short fares’ (less than 100km) within a town or city, they must take a rest break of no less than ½ hour after 7 continuous hours of work ( this includes sitting on a taxi stand or waiting for a hire).

Where a taxi driver is hired for a journey exceeding 100km, no less than a ½ hour break must be taken after 5 ½ hours.

During rest times drivers must not cruise for hires, sit on a taxi stand or display any indication that the vehicle is available for hire.

- Cumulative Work Day

Is a 24 hour period during which drivers can work a maximum of 14 hours before taking a break of at least 10 hours. Work Time: 7 hours - Rest: ½ hour - Work Time: 6 hours

- Cumulative Work Period

Is the period between one 24 hour break and the next.  Drivers can work up to 70 hours before they must take a break of at least 24 hours.

Find out more about becoming a Taxi Driver for Nelson City Taxis

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