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How To Become A Driver-Partner In 5 Simple Steps

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Why become a driver-partner with ABC?

Incredible Incentives:

Full induction and ABC starter pack provided

2. Flexible work hours

3. Average £400 to obtain a license*

4. Vehicle rental & livery provided if required along with highly competitive commission rates

*Average cost of obtaining a license is £400. New driver-partners will receive 2 weeks of free commission upon starting.

How do you become a driver-partner?

Step 1. Identification and history of residence

You will need:

Full UK driver’s license
Evidence of your addresses for the last 5 years
Your passport
National Insurance number

Step 2: Visit the Broadland Council or Norwich City Council website

As part of your application you will be asked to provide evidence of or complete;

Criminal conduct and Motoring convictions
Medical history
Safeguarding course
Knowledge Test*

* Norwich City Council only.

Step 3: Undergo Driver Medical Check & Driving Assessment

To do this;

Visit your own GP for a medical check > NCC
Visit d4drivers.uk for a medical check > Broadland
Complete a private hire driving assessment

Step 4: Obtain a DBS Certificate

As part of your application you will be required to;

Visit gov.uk
Request a basic DBC check, enter your details & pay the fee
Download your DBS certificate

Step 5: Apply for to become a driver-partner with ABC Taxis

To apply to become a driver-partner with ABC Taxis;

Visit the ‘Drive With ABC’ page on our website and complete our dedicated contact form.
or call us on 01603 630022.

START MY JOURNEY

It’s that easy, and so many driver-partners are already benefiting from our flexible hours and app-based system. We have incredible incentives for new driver-partners, full induction is provided, as well as an ABC starter pack. The flexible hours allow for a healthy work and home life balance. So visit our Drive With ABC page and start your journey to becoming a driver-partner for Norwich and Norfolk’s most successful taxi firm today.

Blog

ABC Taxis 101 | All you need to know

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Welcome to ABC Taxis 101 and everything you need to know to be confident travelling with us during these uncertain times. The measurements and guidelines put in place by the government at this time are restrictive and often confusing. But maintaining safe, distanced social interactions and supporting the events, restaurants and establishments that are trying to survive within the stringent government legislation is vital. To both the livelihood of the employees, performers, organisers and venues.

So wherever you choose to travel and spend your time, do so safely and within the Government guidelines. When it comes to going to and from your destinations, ABC taxis have got you covered with our top 10 most frequently asked questions.

Can I book a taxi for more than 4 people?

Yes. The ABC fleet boasts a number of 8 seater minibuses that are available for up to 6 passengers at a time under the current Government legislation.

Do I have to wear a mask?

All customers are now advised to please wear face-coverings when traveling with ABC Taxis.

Do I have to wear a mask if I am exempt?

All of our drivers have been briefed regarding medical exemptions. Customers need only to state this upon entering the vehicle and showing the relevant documentation.

Relevant documentation includes exemption cards that are available through the Uk Government website and the increasingly popular sunflower lanyards.

Does ABC have safety measures in place for the spread of Covid-19?

Yes absolutely! The safety and health of our customers & drivers is paramount and we have numerous safety measures in place to tackle the spread of the virus. These include;

Vehicle safety screens
Daily disinfecting procedures
PPE
Automated payment system

Can you deliver shopping to our house?

Although we are quite happy to take a passenger to the shop and wait for them to complete their shopping before safely bringing them home. We are unable to offer a personal shopping facility.

What are your opening times?

We are open 24/7, 365 days a year.

Do you have wheelchair accessible vehicles at ABC Taxis?

We are able to accommodate any passengers who use collapsible wheelchairs/walking aids but unfortunately we do not have any wheelchair accessible vehicles at ABC Taxis.

Do you have a booking App?

Our passenger app is available from the Google Play store and Apple.

Yes. We have just launched our brand new booking app which is available from the Google Play store and Apples App Store.

Can i pay for my fare by credit/debit card?

Yes! There are a number of ways you can pay for your fare by card;

Pay when you make a booking through our call centre
Pay in the vehicle via SMS
Pay at the end of the journey
Pay by linking your card within the booking app on your mobile phone

How does pre-authentication work on our passenger app?

The new ABC Taxis Passenger app utilises a number of Anti-Fraud measures, including, but not limited to Biometrics (in the case of Apple and Google Pay) and 3dSecure. These processes use Strong Customer Authentication – an initiative being rolled out by the Financial Conduct Authority – and all banks need to sign up to use Strong Customer Authentication by September 2021.

ABC Taxis are required to initiate a pre-authorisation so that the requirements of SCA can be fulfilled.

The pre-authorisation action forces the bank to consider the use of 3dSecure to verify the transaction. Without this step, 3dSecure would not be used, which could lead to an increase in card fraud. Second to this, the pre-authorisation amount taken ensures that customers have the funds available in advance of the journey.

The actual amount of the pre-authorisation is the Estimated Fare + 15%.

The pre-authorisation amount is more than the estimated journey amount because the fare quoted is just that – an estimate. The fare in-vehicle may exceed the estimated amount, or the passenger may choose to go via a different point or change their destination altogether. By taking an additional amount this ensures that in most cases, the actual fare will fall within the pre-authorised amount. Where this happens, any amount over the actual fare will be released at the end of the journey.

Please note that banks can take up to 5 working days to release a ‘pre-authorisation’ hold on funds.

More details can be found within the ABC Taxis FAQ’s.

Student Price Guide

The following prices are to and from the UEA Campus area;

SUPERMARKETS	CAR	MINIBUS
ALDI Larkman Lane	£6.00	£9.00
ASDA Drayton High Rd	£7.50	£11.50
LIDL Drayton Rd	£7.50	£11.50
MORRISONS, Albion Way	£7.50	£11.50
SAINSBURYS Queens Rd	£7.50	£11.50
TESCO Fiveways	£6.00	£9.00
TESCO Harford Bridge	£8.00	£12.00
AIRPORTS
Gatwick	£190.00	£250.00
Heathrow	£185.00	£245.00
Norwich	£13.00	£18.00
Luton	£140.00	£210.00
Stansted	£105.00	£150.00
STATIONS
Bus Station	£6.50	£10.00
Train Station	£7.00	£10.50
HOTSPOTS
Prince Of Wales	£6.50	£10.00
Riverside Complex	£7.00	£10.50

Prices correct at time of article – October 2020

Blog

An In-Depth Look At Our Eco Fleet

Reading Time: 5 minutes

At ABC Taxis, we prioritise efficiency as well as the comfort of our drivers and passengers alike. As a company, we are conscious of the effects of road transportation on the environment. That is why our eco fleet of taxis consists entirely of top-of-the-range hybrid cars and efficient minivans. Curious about our eco vehicles? Join us on an in-depth tour of their key specifications and highlights to find out what makes them comfortable, efficient, and environmentally friendly.

(Please note that all of the below vehicles are available with a variety of options, and we have selected particular ones to give you an idea of their specifications. The below specifications do not apply to all of our cars.)

Toyota Auris Estate

The Toyota Auris Touring Sports (aka estate) hybrid is well-known as a reliable and competent vehicle. The more recent revival of the Corolla in hybrid form (which also features in our fleet), has largely replaced the Auris as Toyota’s go-to hybrid car. However, the Auris still has many admirable features, including its unfussy, functional design and spacious interior.

The Auris hybrid is often complimented for how relaxing it is to drive thanks to its supple suspension and minimal noise both inside and out. It also has a spacious boot which makes it perfect for taking passengers to the airport or train station.

Specifications (1.8L VVT-i Hybrid):

Power	134bhp / 100 kW
Battery capacity	6.5 Ah
Top Speed	112 mph
0-60 mph	11 secs
CO2	93 g/km
Emissions standard	Euro 5
Fuel consumption	70 mpg
Luggage Capacity	507 L

Because the Auris has been around since 2009, it is not the most efficient of the hybrid vehicles available today. However, Toyota is a trailblazer in the world of electric cars, having released the first hybrid Prius in 1997. The Japanese manufacturer has proven time and time again that they are committed to constant innovation, and this can be seen in the newer hybrid Corollas.

Toyota Corolla Estate

Named Car of the Year 2020: Hybrid Winner by WhatCar?, the Toyota Corolla Estate Hybrid is an undeniable industry leader. The especially efficient and smooth-driving new models have taken the Hyundai Ioniq’s place at the top of the ranks. Unsurprisingly, the car has excellent reviews, with frequently mentioned pros including its efficiency, super smooth handling, seamless transitions between electric petrol and electric power, spacious interior, and roomy boot.

Specifications (1.8L VVT-i Hybrid):

Power	120 bhp
Battery capacity	3.6 Ah
Top Speed	111 mph
0-60 mph	8.5 secs
CO2	76 to 83 g/km
Emissions standard	Euro 6 AM
Fuel consumption	55.4 to 65.9 mpg
Luggage Capacity	598 L

Hyundai Ioniq

The Hyundai Ioniq is also a leader in its field and a muti-award-winning one at that. The best thing about this hybrid vehicle is its ability to drive on electric power only, and therefore to travel decent distances (up to 39 miles for the Plug-In Hybrid) with zero emissions. In many ways, it is similar to the Kia Niro – both cars are sold in three electrified forms: a hybrid model (petrol engine + electric motor), a plug-in hybrid (with a bigger battery that can be charged externally for more range), and a pure electric vehicle (EV).

Unlike many hybrids, which are fitted with CVT, single-speed gearboxes, both versions of the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid have a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, making it much smoother and quieter than the average CVT. The interior design of the Ioniq furthers the car’s exceptional efficiency, with lightweight materials selected specially to reduce the vehicle’s weight and fuel consumption. The car also has great aerodynamics, with a class-leading drag coefficient of only 0.24.

Specifications (Hybrid 1.6 GDI):

Power	141 bhp
Battery capacity	1.56 kWh
Top Speed	115 mph
0-60 mph	10.8 secs
CO2	84 g/km
Emissions standard	Euro 6d-Temp
Fuel consumption	78.5 mpg
Luggage Capacity	443 L

Toyota Prius

As we have already mentioned, the hybrid Prius has been around for over 20 years, and it has evolved significantly over that time. Named Green Car of the Year 2016 by Auto Express, the Prius can drive at up to 36mph on electricity alone when sufficiently charged (if you’re gentle on the accelerator), meaning it is exceptionally quiet and relaxed for driving in the city.

At motorway speeds, the petrol engine kicks in for additional power, but drivers say this is unobtrusive and still relatively quiet, emitting little more than a faint drone during steady driving. If you floor the accelerator, however, the CVT gearbox will send the revs shooting up and cause some engine boom. The Prius Hybrid is popular for its low servicing costs and excellent fuel economy, even when set to four-wheel drive. The Prius is also the most efficient non-plug-in hybrid.

Specifications (1.8L Petrol Hybrid Automatic):

Power	122 bhp
Battery capacity	7.2 Ah
Top Speed	112 mph
0-62 mph	10.8 secs
CO2	75 – 84 g/km
Emissions standard	Euro 6DG
Fuel consumption	59.6 – 67.3mpg
Luggage Capacity	502 L

Mercedes-Benz Vito

The Mercedes Vito is a popular minivan among taxi firms, as it is designed to be ideal for urban operations and frequent recurring trips in terms of its efficiency. There are many options to choose from in the Mercedes Vito range, including diesel engines, the fully electric eVito, panel, crew, and tourer vans, and even the black cab edition.

The Vito Tourer van offers comfortable seating for up to 9 people, as well as plenty of room for luggage. It’s available in various options, including three vehicle lengths and two trim lines, meaning the van is customisable and versatile. Many of these models include BlueEFFICIENCY packages as standard, meaning they come with smart eco features such as ECO start/stop which turns of the engine when stationary, a smart alternator which recharges the battery when coasting or braking, and rolling-resistance optimised tyres.

Specifications (114 Tourer Pro L2 Auto):

Power	102 bhp
Battery capacity	N/A
Top Speed	120 mph
0-60 mph	11.8 secs
CO2	171 g/km
Emissions standard	Euro E6
Fuel consumption	44 mpg
Luggage Capacity	550 L

KIA Niro

When talking about efficient cars and especially top-of-the-range hybrids, the KIA Niro is another one that is sure to be mentioned. Thanks to its SUV-like design, the Niro has a comfortable, spacious interior that allows for a natural seating position in the front and the back, as well as an excellent view of the road.

The Niro Plug-In Hybrid, like most EVs, is practically silent in electric mode, and even its fuel engine is very quiet, making it very pleasant to drive. The regular hybrid, too, is often praised for the seamless (and nearly imperceptible) way the petrol engine and electric motor work together via its six-speed automatic gearbox. Like most hybrids, it also has a regenerative braking system to recover energy.

Specifications (1.6 GTI Hybrid 3):

Power	139 bhp
Battery capacity	8.9 to 15.6 kWh
Top Speed	101 mph
0-60 mph	11.1 secs
CO2	100 g/km
Emissions standard	Euro 6
Fuel consumption	65.7 mpg
Luggage Capacity	382 L

Summary

By riding with ABC Taxis, you can rest assured that the utmost care has been taken to ensure efficiency and comfort. We care not only about customer satisfaction, but we are also committed to doing our part to reduce non-renewable energy consumption, harmful emissions, and even noise pollution thanks to our expertly selected fleet of eco-cars.