Embarking on a Career as a Taxi Driver in Chile

Becoming a taxi driver in Chile presents an appealing avenue for independent work, offering flexible hours and the autonomy of being your own boss. However, this profession demands adherence to specific legal requirements, a well-maintained vehicle, and a commitment to providing excellent customer service. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential steps and considerations for a successful career in the Chilean taxi industry.

Essential Requirements for Taxi Drivers in Chile (2023)

To legally operate as a taxi driver in Chile, you must meet several prerequisites. These ensure both driver and passenger safety and compliance with national transport regulations.

• Valid Identification: Possess a current Chilean identity card (cédula de identidad). If yours is expired or lost, the Chile Atiende website provides detailed instructions for obtaining a new one.
• Age: You must be at least 20 years old.
• Professional Driving Licence: Hold a professional driving licence, specifically Class A1, A2, or A3. These classes are officially recognised for taxi operation in Chile.

For those without the requisite A-class licence, a pathway exists. If you have held a Class B licence for at least two years, you can apply for Class A1 or A2. To obtain a Class A3 licence, you must have held an A1 or A2 licence for a minimum of two years. Comprehensive guidance on acquiring these licences can be found on the Chile Atiende portal.

Vehicle Requirements for Taxi Operation in Chile (2023)

Beyond personal qualifications, your vehicle must also meet stringent standards to be legally recognised as a taxi. You can operate independently, lease a vehicle from a third party, or join a radio taxi company.

Standard (Basic) Taxis

These are the most common taxis found on the streets and have specific visual identifiers:

• Colour Scheme: The vehicle must be painted black with a yellow roof. The vehicle's license plate number must be clearly displayed on the body.
• Identification: Clear signage indicating it is a taxi must be present.
• Taximeter: A validated and government-approved taximeter is mandatory.
• Vehicle Condition: The vehicle should not exceed three years of age, be fully equipped ('full equipo'), and have an engine displacement of at least 1.5 cc.

Executive Taxis

Executive taxis, often booked via phone or app, cater to a different market segment:

• Affiliation: Must be associated with a company providing executive taxi services.
• Colour: Unlike basic taxis, they are not required to have the black and yellow colour scheme.
• Identification: A distinctive orange license plate with black lettering clearly identifies them as taxis. Additional taxi signage is not necessary.
• Vehicle Condition: Must be fully equipped, have a maximum age of three years, and an engine displacement of at least 1.6 cc.

Regardless of the type of taxi you operate, comprehensive vehicle insurance is a legal requirement.

Navigating Taxi Permits and Licences: A Saturated Market

It's crucial to understand that the taxi market in Chile is highly competitive and considered saturated. Consequently, the issuance of new taxi circulation permits (the distinctive orange license plate) has been temporarily suspended. For information on any potential future tender processes, the Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications (MTT) website is the official source.

Given this situation, individuals wishing to operate their own vehicle as a taxi typically need to purchase an existing taxi permit and transfer it to their new vehicle. The cost of such a permit can range significantly, from approximately six to 13 million Chilean pesos.

The transfer of these permits is conducted through the Civil Registry. Following the transfer, the vehicle must be registered with the National Registry of Public Passenger Transport (Registro Nacional de Transporte Público de Pasajeros) at the MTT to be officially authorised for taxi operations.

An alternative is to purchase a vehicle that already comes with an active taxi permit. This transaction also takes place at the Civil Registry.

Documents Required for Permit Transfer:

• Clave Única: Required if the process is conducted online.
• ID Photocopy: A photocopy of your identity card (both sides).
• Form N°1: Completed with your personal details.
• Form N°3: Completed with relevant vehicle details.
• Valid Circulation Permit: Must be up-to-date.
• Technical Review: Must be current.
• Taximeter Certification: Proof of taximeter validation.
• Driving Licence Photocopy: A photocopy of your driving licence (both sides).
• Special Purpose Background Check: A certificate of antecedents for special purposes.
• Vehicle Registration Certificate: Proof of the vehicle's registration.
• Certificate of Current Annotations (CAV): A document detailing the vehicle's history.

Maintaining a professional and responsible attitude is paramount. This includes punctuality, keeping your vehicle immaculate and in optimal mechanical condition, and adhering to ethical conduct, ensuring no passenger is discriminated against.

Identifying a Used Car's Previous Taxi Use

When purchasing a second-hand vehicle, a significant risk involves acquiring one previously used as a taxi, collective taxi, or for ride-sharing services (Uber, Cabify, Didi). Such vehicles often exhibit a higher degree of wear and tear.

A private car typically covers 15,000 to 27,000 kilometres annually. In contrast, a taxi in a major city like Santiago or Concepción can accumulate 40,000 to 60,000 kilometres in the same period. This extensive usage can lead to premature wear on critical components.

How to Detect Previous Taxi Use:

1. Review Advertisements Carefully: Pay close attention to the vehicle's year and mileage. A 3-year-old car with 120,000 kilometres, for instance, should raise suspicion, as it might have been used commercially.
2. Question the Seller: Directly ask the seller about the car's history, current mileage, any modifications, and if it was ever used as a taxi or for passenger transport.
3. Consult Official Records: The Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications offers a service to check the history of public transport vehicles, including taxis and colectivos, using the license plate.
4. Thorough Mechanical Inspection: Even if official records are unavailable for ride-sharing vehicles, a detailed inspection can reveal signs of heavy use:
   • Paintwork: Look for inconsistencies in paint, especially around door edges, the engine bay, and seals. Repainting can sometimes mask underlying issues or indicate a past as a taxi.
   • Upholstery: Significantly worn upholstery in a relatively new car (4-5 years old) is a strong indicator of extensive passenger transport.
   • Steering Wheel: Excessive wear on the steering wheel suggests prolonged periods of driving.
   • Pedals: Worn clutch, accelerator, and brake pedals are tell-tale signs of intensive use.
   • Interior Roof: Stains, scratches, or wear on the interior roof lining can indicate the carriage of passengers or goods.

Services like Autofact provide comprehensive vehicle history reports, including details on previous taxi or fleet usage, mileage discrepancies, and technical inspection records, offering a reliable way to verify a car's past.

Components Most Affected by Taxi Use:

• Engine and Powertrain: Increased wear on pistons, oil pumps, injectors, alternators, etc., can lead to power loss, excessive oil consumption, overheating, and potential engine failure.
• Transmission and Drivetrain: Gearboxes, clutches, differentials, and CV joints are subjected to greater stress.
• Suspension and Steering: Shock absorbers, springs, ball joints, and bushings experience accelerated wear.
• Brakes: Brake discs and pads require more frequent replacement due to constant use.
• Chassis and Bodywork: Higher mileage increases the likelihood of accidents, potentially compromising the vehicle's structural integrity.

Understanding Taxi Types in Chile

Chile's taxi services are diverse, catering to various passenger needs:

• Taxi Básico (Basic Taxi): These are the standard black taxis with yellow roofs, identifiable on the street. They operate on metered fares and are chosen for their flexibility in destination.
• Taxi Colectivo (Collective Taxi): These operate on fixed routes and schedules, often marked with a roof sign indicating their service and route. They can be black or yellow.
• Taxi Ejecutivo (Executive Taxi) / Radio Taxi: Booked in advance via phone or app, these taxis offer a more premium service. They don't have strict colour requirements but are identified by their orange license plates. They utilize meters, and fares are regulated.
• Taxi Turismo (Touring Taxi): Designed for tourists and airport transfers, these blue taxis do not use meters. They operate on pre-agreed fares based on destination and are identified by an orange license plate with white lettering.

Taxi Fares and Payment in Chile

Taxi fares in Chile are primarily determined by taximeters, which calculate costs based on distance and time. The base fare ('bajada de bandera') for basic taxis is approximately CLP 400 for the first 200 meters, with subsequent charges of CLP 150-190 for every additional 200 meters or 60 seconds. Executive taxis have a higher starting fare, around CLP 2,100.

Fares may increase during night hours, peak times, and for on-demand or pre-booked services. It is advisable to confirm the estimated fare with the operator beforehand and ensure the taximeter is visible and functioning correctly.

While payments are typically made in cash, some drivers may accept card payments. Carrying sufficient cash is recommended.

How to Book a Radio Taxi in Chile

To book a radio taxi:

1. Identify a Reputable Company: Research or ask locals for trusted radio taxi services.
2. Call to Book: Contact the company's number. An operator will take your details, including pickup location and destination, and assign a driver.
3. Provide Details: Mention the number of passengers or any special requirements (e.g., accessibility).
4. Confirm Fare: Ask for an estimated fare before the taxi arrives.
5. Identify the Taxi: Ensure the arriving taxi matches the company's description and branding.
6. Payment: Pay the driver upon arrival at your destination. Tipping is not customary in Chile.

By understanding these regulations, vehicle requirements, and operational nuances, aspiring taxi drivers in Chile can lay a solid foundation for a successful and rewarding career.

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