Starting April 2024, the automobile transportation industry will be added to the specific skills category, making it possible for foreigners to work as taxi drivers. Are you fully aware of the appeal of the taxi driver job? Here, we will thoroughly explain various questions and inquiries that foreigners might have about working as a taxi driver.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. I have no experience in the taxi industry, can I still work?

About 70% of recruits are inexperienced as taxi drivers. Most people become active taxi drivers after obtaining their second-class licenses and completing in-house training. Please do not worry.

Q2. It seems difficult to remember the routes. Can anyone do it?

Certain efforts are required as a professional. Nowadays, most taxi vehicles are equipped with GPS navigation. As you gain experience as a driver, you will gradually learn the routes, so consider it something anyone can do.

Q3. Is driving in areas with heavy traffic difficult?

Gaining experience as a driver is also crucial here. While driving in areas with heavy traffic requires careful attention, it is essential to prioritize safe driving and drive as usual. Taxi companies protect their drivers through various support measures, such as sharing awareness of accident-prone areas.

Q4. What difficulties might I face when first becoming a taxi driver?

Concerns commonly raised after joining include “road knowledge” and “ways of customer service.” Taxi companies prepare training and guidance after assignment to address these, allowing continued access to training, so rest assured.

Q5. Can I obtain a "Second-Class Driver's License" with an automatic (AT) license?

A Second-Class Driver's License is required for taxi drivers, but just like a regular license, it can be obtained with an automatic (AT) license. Most of the current taxi vehicles are automatic (AT).

Q6. Is it beneficial to speak English?

English, being a global language, is beneficial. Currently, many foreign tourists visit Japan, so English proficiency, which is likely to be understood, can be advantageous in many aspects. However, it is not mandatory, so you might first aim to improve your Japanese proficiency, and if you learn another language, English would be the most useful as the most widely spoken language.

Q7. Is a qualification required for caregiving taxis?

In addition to the second-class license, a "Care Worker Initial Training" qualification necessary for helping users board and alight is required for caregiving. It is planned for foreigners to be able to engage in home nursing care services in the future, which currently do not allow "Specific Skills" residency status.

Q8. Can foreign drivers be active?

Many foreign drivers, including permanent residents, long-term residents, and spouses of Japanese nationals, are already actively engaged. Comparing the work results of these predecessors with Japanese drivers shows no difference. We hope they can make a significant contribution.

Q9. How many drivers are capable of handling foreign languages?

Foreign tourists visiting Japan also use the convenient Japanese taxis. Currently, there are over 10,000 taxi drivers across Japan who provide service using foreign languages.

Q10. Are there manners for handling customer complaints or essential manners to know?

A clean and neat appearance and polite speech are required when dealing with customers. If there are significant differences in manners based on Japanese values from those in your country, it would be necessary to acquire those as knowledge. It requires appropriate knowledge.

Q11. I am worried about whether I can really earn enough.

The wage system for taxi drivers is primarily based on a 'commission-based pay system' linked to each driver's fare income. The average annual income nationwide varies by region, but it's approximately 3.6 million yen. During company training, drivers receive guidance on sales strategies, prioritizing safe and efficient work practices. Additionally, some companies are now using big data to conduct business based on information about peak passenger times and areas. Since companies are competing to optimize their operations, you can rest assured that their goal aligns with your desire to earn more.

Q12. What is the highest annual income?

With a commission-based salary system, there are drivers who earn an annual income of 7 to 8 million yen. Among them, star drivers, still active, earn over 10 million yen annually while being taxi company employees.

Q13. How many hours are your working hours, and is there overtime?

Shift-based alternating-day shifts are about 15.5 hours per shift (with a separate 3-hour break), and day shifts are approximately 7.5–8 hours per shift. Overtime is possible if desired but with a limit to prevent overwork.

Q14. Is it easy to take leave, such as paid holidays?

Since taking paid leave does not inconvenience colleagues, it is believed that the environment is more conducive to taking leave compared to other industries.

Q15. Until when can you work as a taxi driver?

While many companies set the retirement age at 65, those without health or driving issues are actively working under fixed-term contracts beyond 70 years (shorter work hours can be chosen according to physical strength).

Q16. What is the difference between an individual taxi and other taxis?

If you accumulate over 10 years of accident-free and violation-free records at a taxi company, you will meet the qualification requirements for becoming an individual taxi operator. Therefore, setting this as a goal is possible.

Conclusion

Thank you for reading this article to the end. The new path as a foreign taxi driver opening from April 2024 presents a significant opportunity for many people. Taking the first step into an unknown world may be accompanied by anxiety, but we hope that the information provided helps to dispel doubts and allows you to challenge yourself with a sense of security. We sincerely wish for the success of all who embark on a new start as taxi drivers and for the development of the entire industry. Let us continue moving forward step by step toward a bright future for everyone.