Types of Driving Jobs You Can Do In London

Ian Beevis - Clean Green Compare Insurance Expert
Written by Ian BeevisUpdated 11 March 20252 min readCategories: 

Below are some of the different types of driving jobs you can do in London.

Taxi driver

Requirements

The first step you’ll need to take to work as a taxi driver in London is to apply for a taxi driver’s licence. The requirements for getting a taxi driver’s licence are quite strict in London and many people are not able to pass the necessary tests. However if you’re determined enough then this shouldn’t put you off.

You’ll also need to get the right cover to work as a taxi driver. There are many sites now where you can get public hire taxi insurance quotes very easily so getting a policy at an affordable rate shouldn’t prove too much of a challenge.

If you’re the type of person who’s not suited to working behind a desk for 8 hours a day, then you might find that a driving career is a much better fit.

If you live in London and are considering what types of driving jobs are available, then you should find the information below very useful.

Bus driver

Requirements

In order to work as a bus driver in London, you’ll need to have the right character, show that you’re medically fit enough and pass a theory and practical test. You’ll also need to have a full UK driver’s licence and have at least one years’ driving experience.

Practical considerations

In order to work as a bus driver in London you’ll need to be prepared to work varying shifts, which can often mean working on bank holidays and weekends. You’ll also need to be able to deal with the traffic conditions in London, which are notoriously congested. Although working with the public is something that many people enjoy, it can come with its downsides and you’ll need to know how to deal with aggressive and unpredictable passengers.

Courier

Requirements

The requirements for working as a courier aren’t as strict as a lot of other driving jobs. You don’t need to pass any special test in most cases – simply having the right vehicle and showing that you’re competent is usually enough. Of course this can vary depending on the company you work for; some may require you to adhere to stricter standards than others.

Practical considerations

One of the things that can be appealing about working as a courier is that you’re able to do it as a freelancer and don’t necessarily have to work for another company. However the downside to this is that you’ll need to find your own customers, which can be tricky, especially when first starting out. You’ll again need to be prepared to work long/unsociable hours to make a good living as a courier.

Practical considerations

If you enjoy working with the public and don’t mind navigating London’s busy streets then taxi driving could be the perfect career for you. It’s important to be aware though that working as a taxi driver in London can be stressful and you’ll sometimes have to deal with drunken/aggressive/non-paying passengers.

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