The taxi industry welcomes people who:

• like working with people from a wide range of backgrounds;
  
  
• have good English communication skills; and
  
  
• will provide a high level of service to all passengers.

The licensing and training requirements for becoming a taxi driver are as follows:

1. Apply for a T extension on your licence
2. Complete an aptitude test
3. Complete the Taxi Driver Training course
4. Sit the Taxi Driver Registration test
5. Receive your T extension and Taxi Driver ID Card

Additional information for country taxi driver applicants can be found below.

• be at least 20 years of age;
  
  
• have held a unrestricted driver's licence for at least 1 year;
  
  
• be of good character;
  
  
• be mentally and physically fit to drive a motor vehicle for the purposes of carrying passengers for reward; and
  
  
• successfully complete the training course and test detailed below.

To apply for the T extension you will need to:

1. Complete an "MDL1 - T extension application form", which is only available at your local Licensing Centre (ph: 13 11 56). See Licensing current fee schedule.
   
   
2. Undergo a medical examination by your doctor; and
   
   
3. Pass a criminal/traffic check which the Licensing Centre will conduct.

Once the above have been successfully completed, you will receive a letter advising whether you can continue with your taxi driver training.

Please note: you must produce photographic identification at every step of your training.

You must successfully complete an aptitude test, conducted by the Department's approved psychologist. This test is designed to assess your suitability for operating a taxi and dealing with customers. Arrange your appointment by contacting either:

You may go on to complete the next step after you receive a letter informing you that your have passed this test.

The training course for drivers in the Perth metropolitan area is based on the WA Taxi Driver Competency Standards.

Completion of these national road transport units means that new taxi drivers gain recognition for units completed if they move to other transport industries or to taxi industries interstate. Drivers can also complete additional units and build towards nationally recognised qualifications, for example, the Certificate I, II or III in Transport and Distribution (Road Transport).

The course is completed in 2 stages;

1. A self-paced learning package which contains essential information about Perth geography and being a part of the taxi industry. Download training and guidelines: major tourism destinations (pdf 123kb). 
   
   
2. In-class training which covers all other aspects of operating a taxi, such as driving, driver conduct and customer service skills.

Once you have completed the course you will be issued a 'Statement of Attainment'.

The Taxi Driver Training Course can be completed with one of the following registered training providers:

After you have completed your training, you will undergo an on-road test in a simulated taxi, conducted by the Department's driving assessors. This test is designed to confirm that you have all the essential skills necessary to meet the needs of taxi passengers. Through completing a series of practical tasks, you will demonstrate the skills you have learnt during your training.

Arrangements for your test will be made through your training provider.

Once you have successfully completed your Registration Test, you will receive:

• notification of your T extension; and
  
• be sent a metropolitan taxi driver identification card.

You are then fully qualified to operate a taxi.

Please note: Once you have gained the 'T' extension on your licence, if do not renew your medical as stipulated in the conditions of gaining an T extension, it will automatically cancelled.

Update:

Taxi drivers should be aware that from 30 June 2008 there will be a new process for dealing with expired F and T extensions.

Driver Assessment will continue to send out the medical, this generally is about the time the Drivers Licence is due, which is to be taken to your doctor. 

• If a valid medical is received within three months of the due date, the extension can be restored.
• If the medical has not been received by the due date the F or T extension will expire and the person will have to re-apply for the extension and pay all relevant application fees.

Should you have any further enquiries please do not hesitate to contact Passenger Services.