Driving a taxi is one of the options you can consider if you enjoy the freedom of scheduling your own hours and deciding how much you wish to earn.

Before embarking on a taxi driving career, there are many questions that may come to mind, which we will address in this article.

What do I need to become a taxi driver in Singapore?

To become a taxi driver in Singapore, you must have a valid Taxi Driver’s Vocational Licence (TDVL). To obtain a TDVL, you must be a Singapore citizen, who is at least 30 years old, and have a valid Class 3 or 3A driving licence for at least one year. You must also have a GCE ‘O’ or ‘N’ Level pass in English (at least a D7 grade) or a Level 3 pass in the Workplace Literacy programme for listening, reading, and speaking. The retirement age for taxi drivers in Singapore is 75.

How quickly can I get a taxi licence in Singapore?

Typically, the entire process takes about one month. First, you will need to apply for the Land Transport Authority’s (LTA) approval, which usually takes between 10 and 15 days to process. Once LTA approval is granted, you can enrol in the TDVL course, which takes 25 hours to complete (16 hours of classroom training and 9 hours of self-study). Finally, you will need to pass a three-hour electronic-test at an LTA-appointed test centre. To apply for a taxi licence, please visit https://www.cdgtaxi.com.sg/vocational-licence-courses/.

How much can I earn as a taxi driver?

Earnings as a taxi driver depend on several factors, such as the number of hours you’re willing to work, the demand during specific times of the day, and the efficiency of your trips. On average, a $10 fare will take about 10 to 15 minutes to complete, depending on whether the trip occurs during peak or non-peak hours.

Earnings Breakdown

1. Average Daily Income:

To earn a decent income, you must commit to working between 8 and 10 hours daily. During peak hours, completing 4 to 6 trips per hour can yield $40 to $60 hourly. Non-peak hours may lower your hourly earnings, so working strategically is essential.

2. Key Sources of Income:

• CDG Zig App (Priority): Get access to a steady flow of jobs through ComfortDelGro’s dedicated platform. With both street-hail and app bookings integrated, CDG Zig ensures maximum earning opportunities.

• Other Platforms: Drivers can also accept jobs via Grab, Gojek, or TADA, although CDG Zig offers unique advantages like flat commission rates and daily payouts.

• Street Hails: Picking up passengers from high-traffic areas like business districts or malls can complement your app-based income.

3. Maximizing Your Earnings:

• Focus on driving during peak hours (early mornings, lunchtime, and evenings) when demand is highest.

• Plan your routes to include high-demand areas such as airports, office zones, and entertainment hubs.

• Take advantage of CDG Zig’s training and job prioritization system to secure more trips.

Why Choose CDG Zig?

ComfortDelGro’s CDG Zig platform offers significant advantages over other ride-hailing platforms, helping drivers earn more and keep a larger portion of their income. Here’s a comparison of commission rates and benefits:

Platform	Commission Rate	Payout Schedule	Additional Benefits
CDG Zig	Flat $0.70 per booking	Daily payouts available	Priority job assignments, street-hail integration, training support
Grab	20% – 25%	Weekly payouts	High demand during peak hours, incentives for high trip counts
Gojek	10%	Weekly payouts	Peak hour bonuses and guaranteed earnings schemes
TADA	0% Commission	Weekly payouts	Limited commission-free trips to maximize driver earnings

Additional Opportunities and Factors

1. Flexible Income Streams:

Using CDG Zig alongside other platforms allows you to tap into multiple income sources, but prioritizing CDG Zig ensures you take advantage of its flat commission rate and exclusive benefits.

2. Operational Costs:

Keep in mind expenses like vehicle rental fees, fuel, and ERP charges. With CDG Zig, you’ll receive daily payouts and potential reimbursements, making it easier to manage costs.

3. Example Scenario:

If you work a full 10-hour day and average $40 per hour during peak hours and $30 per hour during non-peak periods, your daily gross earnings could be approximately $350. After deducting costs like vehicle rental and fuel, you can realistically take home around $200 to $250.

By strategically leveraging CDG Zig’s features, working during high-demand times, and keeping operational costs low, you can maximize your income as a taxi driver. Let CDG Zig be your go-to platform for reliable and rewarding earnings.

How much is the daily taxi rental?

Our rental ranges from $60* to $130, depending on the type of taxi. We currently have Hyundai i40 diesel taxis, hybrid taxis such as the Toyota Prius, brand-new Gen 5 Toyota Prius and Hyundai Ioniq, as well as the BYD electric taxis available for hire.

*Limited time only. Please contact 97831951 (Sam) or 98351289 (Dennis) or 96566571 (Kenneth) for availability.

Can I share the rental with another taxi driver?

Whether or not you will have a relief driver depends on the contractual terms you choose. We offer a variety of options, and we even have an easy driver matching service to help you find a relief driver: https://www.cdgtaxi.com.sg/driver-matching/

When will I receive my earnings if I am on the CDG Zig platform?

You will receive your earnings by the next working day. For weekends, you will receive the earnings by the following Monday.

Where can I find help if my taxi breaks down?

Do not worry if your taxi breaks down. We provide immediate assistance 24 hours daily. For more information: https://www.cdgtaxi.com.sg/taxi-breaks-down-accident/

If you are tired of the corporate working environment, you may want to consider taking up a TVDL and being your own boss. Driving a taxi provides you with the flexibility of managing your own schedule and setting your own targets with no bosses breathing down your neck. Ultimately, what you work is what you get, and your earnings will reflect the effort you put in.

Are you considering to become a taxi driver?

Take the TDVL course with ComfortDelGro Taxi, and after securing your licence, drive a hybrid taxi that comes with $1,000* security deposit top-up from us. Enjoy 12 days of free rental* and earn a completion bonus!

*Offers remain valid as of the publication date of this article. For further updates, please check with the recruitment team.

To find out more about our TDVL course, please visit:
https://www.cdgtaxi.com.sg/vocational-licence-courses

If you already have a TDVL, find out more about our current taxi rental offers:
https://www.cdgtaxi.com.sg/drive-singapore-taxi-phv-comfortdelgro/

TDVL

Five Fun Facts About Being A Taxi Driver

Five common misperceptions about taxi driving in Singapore

7 common questions about becoming a taxi driver in Singapore

When do I need to renew my Taxi Driver’s Vocational Licence (TDVL)?