Taxi Driver (Employee) — On-the-job English
Study in your language — but on the job you'll speak English. These are the real phrases you actually say for this work, with a note in your language. Not a script; common situations workers report.
Taking a fare and confirming the destination
Where are you headed today?
Confirm the passenger's destination.
That's about eighteen dollars to the airport — is that okay?
Give a fare estimate before starting the ride.
I can take cash or card — which works for you?
Offer payment options.
Fare disputes and card payments
The meter reads twenty-four fifty — that includes the toll.
Explain what's on the meter.
I'm sorry, I can't change what the meter shows — that's the fare.
Hold firm, politely, on a fare dispute.
Let's try running your card again.
Retry a failed card payment.
Giving and confirming directions
Is it faster to take the highway, or do you want surface streets?
Ask the passenger's routing preference.
I'm going around — there's construction ahead.
Explain a detour.
We're about five minutes out.
Give an ETA update.
Handling a difficult or intoxicated passenger
I need you to stay seated and keep your voice down, please.
Set a calm, firm boundary.
I'm going to pull over here — I can't continue this ride.
End the ride safely when a passenger's behavior requires it.
I can call you another driver, but I have to stop here.
Offer an alternative while declining to continue.
🔴 Passenger medical emergency or accident
Sir, can you hear me? Are you okay?
Check on a passenger who seems unresponsive.
This is 911 — I have a passenger who's unconscious. We're at Fifth and Main.
Call 911 and give your location and the situation.
I'm pulling over now and calling for help.
Stop the cab safely and get emergency help.