Taxi services require drivers with solid road knowledge, a deep familiarity with their cities and excellent communication skills. The work environment exposes drivers to hazards, such as high risk for robbery, not typically associated with other positions. Dallas taxi drivers can select several companies to contract with and obtain fares. In 2010, taxi drivers earned an average estimate of $36,450 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. You must be 23 years of age, provide citizenship documents and hold a valid license. The Texas Transportation Regulation Division handles taxi licenses in Dallas, Texas.

Request your three-year driving history from the Texas Department of Public Safety website (see Resources). You need your driver’s license, a valid credit card, the last four digits of your Social Security number and a printer. Complete the request and print the document or you can request your record in person. The TDPS charges a fee of $6.50 at the time of publication.

Check your record for previous moving violations and other offenses. Dallas enforces strict regulations for people applying for a taxi license. You cannot have more than two moving violations or two accidents for which you were deemed at fault in the past three years. Furthermore, an indictment for driving under the influence at the time of your application garners a rejection.

Select a taxi company you with which you would like to work. Several companies hire drivers, such as Texas Cab Co., Yellow Cab and Golden Cab. Request an application and contract. Review the information to ensure the contract suits your situation. Pay particular attention to information concerning your responsibility for the cab and insurance requirements.

Contact the Texas Transportation Regulation Division (see Resources). It will review your driving record, perform a criminal background check and issue the required licensing.

Complete the road test, insurance requirements and license documentation. Contact the company you selected to make your initial deposit, attend any orientation or training and begin working.

2016 Salary Information for Taxi Drivers and Chauffeurs

Taxi drivers and chauffeurs earned a median annual salary of $24,300 in 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. On the low end, taxi drivers and chauffeurs earned a 25th percentile salary of $20,490, meaning 75 percent earned more than this amount. The 75th percentile salary is $30,440, meaning 25 percent earn more. In 2016, 305,100 people were employed in the U.S. as taxi drivers and chauffeurs.