The beginning

Life has its ups and downs.  Could not take the bullshit and unnecessary stressed at work. So I started driving Taxi for a living from March 2013- December 2013. Now (July 2014) I have a full time job plus driving Taxi on the weekend.

It took me one month from the application to LTA and health checks to the start of the lesson. To my surprise, the class of 40 is full (I did it at SMRT woodlands). It was a full time class of 2 weeks leading up to the test. The classes at Taxi Academy and Comfort is all full too.  I starts to wander why so many people is trying this career.

We are lucky to have Young Foo from STA (Singapore Taxi Association) as our instructor. He share many tips and story about Taxi driving in Singapore. The ups and downs of it, the unfairness in this in industry. Which I will list it down as objectively as possible in other blogs.

Follow this link to find out more about how to be a taxi driver.
http://www.taxi.org.sg/tdvl.html

Highlighs
Pre-requiste for becoming a Taxi Driver:

- Must be at least 30 years of age.
- Possess a valid class 3/3A driving licence.
- A Singapore Citizen.
- GCE'O' Level or 'N' Level pass in English (at least an D7 grade) / Level 3 or higher pass in English (WPL-CAT)
- Have at least a one year driving experience with a clean driving record.

As of 1 June 2012, TDVL holders will be allowed to extend their vocational licences up to 75 years old, subject to passing a special assessment annually.

Course Durations:

Choose from Full-time or Part-time courses:

Part-time Course:
20 days (5-6 days per week)
1 lesson per day (7.00pm - 10.00pm)

Full-time Course:
10 days (5-6 days per week)
2 lessons per day (10.00am - 1.00pm & 2.00pm - 5.00pm)

TDVL Course consist of 5 modules over a 60 hours session classroom training. You may choose to attend Full-time or Part-time courses.

Course Outline:

Module 1: Taxi Service Overview & Road Safety
Module 2: Taxi Rules & Regulations
Module 3: Locate Destination
Module 4: Plan Routes
Module 5: Deliver Quality Taxi Service

There will be tests at the end of the course on all modules using touch screen tablets and 3 practical tests at the end of module 5. Candidates have to pass all modules (1 to 5) to attain the TDVL Licence. Licence is issued within one month by the LTA.