Car Driver (NSW/ACT)

State/Territory Specific Information

Education and Training:

You can work as a car driver without formal qualifications but you will need to obtain a specific licence.

To work as a taxi driver in the metropolitan area, you must obtain a 'T' extension from the Department of Transport. You must also complete a Taxi Driver training course with Australian Workforce Training, Transport and Communications Training Academy of WA, WA Advanced Training Academy or Western Australian Road Transport Association (WARTA).

Following completion of the training, you must complete a registration test administered by Department of Transport assessors. This is a simulated on-road test. Testing can be arranged through your training provider. Country applicants do not have to undergo the formal training or registration test.

Most companies operating chauffeur-driven hire cars have vehicles with tour coach (TC) plates or small charter vehicle (SCV) plates, and therefore require their drivers to hold a current C-class (sedan car or limousine) drivers licence with an F-extension (bus or coach). Private driving courses are available and the cost and duration of these vary.

Related Courses:

While the following courses are related to this occupation, they may not necessarily lead directly to employment, nor provide the most direct pathway to the occupation. Courses which provide preliminary or informal training, as well as those which provide additional job skills following initial qualifications may also be listed.

*Course is offered by more than one institution. Click link for details.

  1. Apply Fatigue Management Strategies (TLI Unit) *
  2. Apply Safe Driving Behaviours (TLI unit)
  3. Coordinate Recovery of 4WD Vehicles (SIS Unit) *
  4. Drive a 4WD Vehicle in Difficult Terrain (SIS Unit) *
  5. Drive and Manoeuvre Trailers (AUR Unit)
  6. Drive and Recover a 4WD Vehicle (SIS Unit) *
  7. Drive Vehicle (TLI Unit)
  8. Drive Vehicles under Operational Conditions (PUA Unit)
  9. Follow Occupational Health and Safety Procedures (TLI Unit) *
  10. Four Wheel Drive (Training Program)
  11. Operate and Maintain a Four Wheel Drive Vehicle (RII Unit)
  12. Operate Four Wheel Drive Vehicle (TLI Unit)
  13. Certificate II in Driving Operations *
  14. Certificate II in Transport and Logistics - Road Transport *
  15. Certificate III in Non-emergency Client Transport *

Employment Opportunities:

Most taxi owners drive their own taxis and have drivers who drive the other available shifts. Taxi drivers usually pay the taxi owner a rental, which can be a flat rate or a percentage of the fares received. As a driver you can select your own hours or work part time to suit your lifestyle.

The demand for taxi services varies at different times of the day and throughout the year.

Chauffeurs/hire car drivers work for government departments, hotels and private hire car companies. Self-employed chauffeur/hire car drivers are often subcontracted to private companies.

For Further Information:

Canberra Elite

(02) 6126 1500
www.canberracabs.com.au

NSW Taxi Council

(02) 9332 1266
www.nswtaxi.org.au

Transport and Logistics Industry Skills Council

www.tlisc.com.au

Information for other states and territories: