Car Driver (WA)

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.

Additional Information:

The minimum age to obtain either an 'F' or 'T' extension is 20. You must also pay an application fee, have held an unrestricted drivers licence for at least one year and pass a medical examination, an aptitude test and a police check. You must also provide the contact details of two people who can verify that you are of 'good character'. Your references must have known you for four years or more to provide a character reference.

Licences and driver identification cards are obtained from the Western Australian Department of Transport, Licensing Division.

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.

Employment Opportunities:

Taxi drivers may work for taxi management companies or for themselves, using their own car or a car owned by a company. Taxi drivers usually pay the taxi owner/operator a rental fee. The maximum rate of the rental fee is determined by the Department of Transport.

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.