FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ’s) ABOUT DRIVING A TAXI
ARE TAXI DRIVERS CONSIDERED EMPLOYEES?
No, drivers are not employees, they are self-employed. Taxi drivers are considered independent contractors. Drivers considered owner-operators may use their own vehicle as a taxi or a driver may choose to lease from a company that provides vehicles for use as taxicabs.
WHAT ARE THE VEHICLE QUALIFICATIONS FOR AN OWNER-OPERATOR USING THEIR OWN VEHICLE?
Vehicles for use as taxicabs may not be more than 10 model years old, must have 4 or more door, and cannot be a pickup truck. The vehicle may require a license from the city or municipality in which you choose to operate the taxicab. You must also carry commercial insurance for auto liability coverage with minimum limits of $100,000/$300,000/$50,000 and include coverage for Uninsured Motorist/Underinsured Motorist each at $50,000/$100,000. All vehicles must pass an inspection of working headlights/taillights, seat belts, properly operating Heat and A/C, etc. and the vehicle may be any color – there are no color restrictions.
HOW DO I APPLY TO LEASE A VEHICLE FOR USE AS A TAXI?
Interested individuals may apply on-line at www.leasesvc.com
WHAT ARE THE STEPS TO BECOME A DRIVER?
Potential drivers must first sign up with TAXIMKE. For information on becoming a driver click here.
You will then need to pass driving history and background check requirements. Once that is complete you will receive an e:mail invitation to set up an individual account through a program called OUR RECORDS. This program is a secure site that provides access to and stores a driver’s required credentials. Some examples of required credentials are: state drivers license (front and back copy), background check reports, etc.
You will receive reminder e:mails on what is needed and we will let you know when you are approved and ready to start driving.
WHAT SKILLS ARE NEEDED TO DRIVE A TAXI?
Drivers need a working cell phone that supports both calls and data. Drivers should have knowledge of the devices they choose to use and be able to follow GPS. General directional knowledge of the area in which a driver chooses to service is a plus along with the ability to drive defensively in all weather conditions.
DO I NEED ANY SPECIAL TRAINING TO START AS A DRIVER?
Before you start to drive, you will be required to watch a few simple training videos. They’ll cover things like customer service, emergency procedures and how to use the driver app. You will also need to complete First Aid/CPR which we offer online.
DO I NEED ANY SPECIAL LICENSES?
You may need to obtain a license if it is required by the municipality in which you choose to operate. A Driving Opportunity Representative will provide assistance if necessary.
HOW DOES A TAXI DRIVER GET RIDES TO SERVICE?
As a driver approved with TAXIMKE, rides are dispatched through an app to a tablet in the vehicle. Service is provided 24/7, 365 days a year.
HOW DO TAXI DRIVERS GET PAID?
Drivers get paid weekly for the rides they service by customers. Cash paying customers pay the driver direct in the car and a separate processing center converts credit card charges and contracted account charges and deposits monies to a debit pay card issued to all drivers upon their start.
WHERE IS TAXIMKE LOCATED?
TAXIMKE is located at 646 S. 2nd Street, Suite 300, Milwaukee, WI 53204 and office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4pm. (Closed on Holidays and Weekends)
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING WITH ME IF I APPLY IN PERSON?
While on-line sign-up is the quickest and preferred method, drivers wishing to sign-up in person must present a valid State of Wisconsin Drivers License when applying along with a current copy (no more than 10 days old) of their Wisconsin MVR (Motor Vehicle Record) or you may pay an $8 fee (no checks accepted) at the time of application, and we will obtain the MVR for you the same day. Click here to obtain an MVR on your own.
WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS AFTER I AM APPROVED AS A DRIVER?
The next steps vary based on whether you choose to use your own vehicle or plan on driving an existing vehicle that is part of the TAXIMKE fleet. Further instructions will be provided by a Driving Opportunity Representative.
For drivers choosing to lease a vehicle, the leasing company will be notified in order to continue with their next steps to get you in a vehicle and on the road.