Taxi driver rights and responsibilities
This page details the rights and responsibilities of taxi drivers operating in Victoria.
Information on this page
Driver rights
Taxi drivers have the right to:
Request proof of ability to pay or request a deposit
A taxi driver has the right to ensure that passengers have the ability to pay the expected fare or request a deposit up to the estimated fare before starting the trip.
Refuse or terminate a hiring
Drivers are not required to accept or continue with a taxi trip when passengers are violent, noisy, misbehaving, filthy or offensive.
Driver responsibilities
Taxi drivers must abide by the following requirements:
Courtesy and helpfulness
The taxi industry recognises that, as service providers, taxi drivers represent the public face of the industry. Drivers in the metropolitan taxi zone are required to undertake a Course in Taxi Driving. This includes an emphasis on the need for drivers to be courteous and helpful in the performance of their duties.
Knowledge and observance of traffic laws
Drivers should know, obey and respect the road rules and other road users.
The Victorian Taxi Directorate takes seriously complaints about drivers who may endanger the public by breaking traffic laws. See Taxi feedback and complaints.
Acceptance of fares
Once hailed, a driver cannot refuse a fare that is too short or inconvenient. Drivers may indicate at the end of a shift that they will only accept fares to destinations which are on the way to the taxi-cab's home base. The driver will display a sign that indicates the relevant destination.
Knowledge of major routes and destinations
Taxi drivers should know and use major routes. Furthermore, drivers are expected to know of major destinations within their zone. These include airports, major railway stations, major hotels and sporting and cultural facilities.
Understanding of and ability to speak English
Drivers are required to meet English literacy comprehension standards which are set down in the approved Course in Taxi Driving.
Taking the most direct practicable route
Drivers are required to take the most direct, practicable route from when they pick up a customer to the requested destination, unless otherwise directed by the customer. The driver can and should briefly consult a street directory when in doubt.
The driver must take the passenger to the designated place and not to any alternative destination.
Neatness, cleanliness and tidiness
Passengers have a right to expect taxi drivers to be neat, clean and tidy in appearance and without offensive body odour.
Wearing of an approved uniform
While on duty, all taxi drivers are required to wear the approved uniform of the taxi company with which the taxi is affiliated.
Assistance to passengers
A taxi driver is required to provide reasonable assistance with a customer's luggage. This includes assistance with getting luggage into and out of the cab, taking reasonable care while in the taxi, and immediately reporting any found items to their network service provider (depot) or the Victorian Taxi Directorate.
Taxi drivers are not expected to manoeuvre luggage when it may cause injury to them or others. Neither are they expected to carry more luggage than the reasonable capacity of the storage facilities of the vehicle.
Passengers with special needs (such as people with a disability, tourists, children and elderly people) can expect that the driver will act with understanding and patience.