Minicab Drivers

W

hat is it with minicab drivers? Why do so many drive like utter idiots? Don’t they realise that they can lose their minicabbers’ licence if they drive like this?

It’s true to say that the minicab driver doesn’t have a very good reputation. I’m amazed that so few seem to be involved in accidents given that many tailgate, use the “run up” overtaking method, deliberately screech to a halt beyond the white line at traffic lights, and move off before the light turns to green. This is pretty much the opposite to many London taxi cabbies (at least, in London) who are courteous, calm and collected, and very professional. I rather get the impression that anybody can become a minicab driver!

Worse, when we’ve had a drink or two, we put our lives in these drivers’ hands!

I’ve noticed that the following rules do not apply to minicab drivers:

One, the speed limit. These don’t apply. It’s okay to drive along the motorway at whatever speed you want if you’re driving a minicab.

Indicators are an optional extra, especially at roundabouts or complex junctions.

Minicabs can stop anywhere to pick up or drop off passengers. Yes, anywhere.

Minicab drivers don’t need to look behind or check their mirrors when moving off.

Minicabs have special traffic lights - invisible to all other car drivers - that give them priority at junctions. This is why they move off before anybody else.

On the open road, minicab drivers are expected to tailgate and “pop-out.” Such hassle tactics apply equally when they have a fare-paying passenger onboard or not.

I guess most minicab drivers do have some good points. They get you home when you’re too drunk to walk first (and don’t laugh too much when you fall out of the car), and most drive diesels. Many just drive like idiots.