Taxi Driver Jobs in Italy: A Complete Guide for Locals and Foreigners

Italy, known for its rich culture, historical landmarks, and bustling cities, has a constant demand for reliable transportation. Among the essential public services are taxi drivers, who play a key role in urban mobility. From navigating the cobbled streets of Rome to cruising through the modern districts of Milan, taxi drivers in Italy offer convenience and connectivity to millions of residents and tourists alike.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about taxi driver jobs in Italy—job types, qualifications, licensing, earnings, challenges, and the step-by-step process for locals and foreigners who wish to enter this profession.

Types of Taxi Driving Jobs in Italy

Taxi drivers in Italy can be classified based on the type of vehicle and employment arrangement:

1. Licensed City Taxi Drivers

• Operate white taxis with a roof sign marked “TAXI”

• Work independently or as part of a cooperative

• Must have a municipal license (licenza comunale)

2. NCC Drivers (Noleggio Con Conducente)

• Private hire drivers similar to Uber or chauffeur services

• Work with black cars, vans, or luxury vehicles

• Require an NCC license and pre-booking for every ride

3. App-Based Ride-Hailing Drivers

• Work with platforms like Uber (limited presence), Free Now, or ItTaxi

• Operate as either taxi or NCC drivers

• Must comply with local transport laws and licensing

Who Can Work as a Taxi Driver in Italy?

🇮🇹 Italian Citizens

• Must meet licensing and municipal requirements

• Pass exams and background checks

🇪🇺 EU Citizens

• Can work legally in Italy

• Must obtain a Codice Fiscale (tax ID)

• Go through the same licensing process as Italians

🌍 Non-EU Citizens

• Need a valid work permit or residence permit

• Must have fluency in Italian and meet municipal requirements

• Licensing and documentation processes are more complex

Requirements to Become a Taxi Driver in Italy

✅ Basic Requirements:

• Minimum age: Usually 21+

• Valid Italian or EU Driving License (Category B)

• Codice Fiscale (Tax ID)

• Clean criminal record

• Good knowledge of local roads and traffic laws

• Fluent Italian language skills

📝 Essential Documents:

• Residence or work permit (for non-EU citizens)

• Driving license with professional certification (CAP – Certificato di Abilitazione Professionale)

• Medical fitness certificate

• Enrollment in the local Chamber of Commerce

Steps to Become a Licensed Taxi Driver

1. Obtain CAP (Professional Driver’s License)

• Required for all commercial drivers

• Apply at the local DMV (Motorizzazione Civile)

• Includes a written exam on traffic laws and vehicle operation

2. Pass the Municipal Taxi Exam

• Held by local municipalities (comune)

• Covers city geography, regulations, and customer service

3. Apply for a Taxi License

• Each city controls the number of taxi licenses

• Licenses are expensive and limited (can cost €100,000+ in cities like Milan or Rome)

• Some cities offer long-term rental or cooperative-based licenses

4. Buy or Rent a Taxi Vehicle

• Must meet local standards (e.g., white paint, TAXI sign, meter, GPS)

• Insurance, regular inspections, and maintenance required

Working Hours and Schedule

Taxi drivers in Italy often work long and irregular hours, especially in cities or tourist areas.

• Full-time drivers may work 8–12 hours a day

• Night and weekend shifts are common

• Airport, train station, and city center shifts offer more ride opportunities

• App-based or NCC drivers may have more flexible schedules

How Much Do Taxi Drivers Earn in Italy?

💶 Average Monthly Income:

• €1,200 to €2,500+, depending on:

  • City and location

  • Working hours

  • Vehicle ownership (self-employed vs. cooperative)

  • Tourism and seasonal demand

  • Tips and bonuses

🔧 Expenses to Consider:

• Fuel and maintenance

• Insurance and vehicle registration

• Taxi license or rental fees

• App commission (if using Uber, Free Now, etc.)

• Municipal taxes

Popular Cities for Taxi Jobs

Larger cities with high tourist traffic offer more job opportunities:

1. Rome – Capital city with high year-round demand

2. Milan – Business and fashion hub

3. Florence – Popular among tourists and students

4. Venice (Mainland) – Mestre and Venice airport transfers

5. Naples – Large population and coastal tourism

6. Turin, Bologna, and Genoa also offer good prospects

Pros and Cons of Taxi Driving in Italy

✅ Pros:

• High demand in cities and tourist areas

• Opportunity to be self-employed

• Interaction with international travelers

• Steady income if well-established

• Flexibility for NCC/private hire drivers

❌ Cons:

• Expensive and competitive licensing process

• Long and tiring work hours

• High fuel and maintenance costs

• Language barrier for foreigners

• Uncertain income during low-demand seasons

Taxi Apps and Digital Platforms in Italy

Digitalization is reshaping the taxi industry. Drivers now have the option to join apps like:

• Uber (limited in cities like Milan and Rome)

• Free Now – Connects passengers with licensed taxis

• ItTaxi – A national taxi app supported by cooperatives

• AppTaxi – Another popular Italian taxi platform

These apps can help boost income by getting more frequent ride requests, especially in urban zones.

Can Foreigners Easily Work as Taxi Drivers in Italy?

Yes, but with challenges. While EU citizens have easier access, non-EU nationals must:

• Get the necessary work/residence permits

• Learn the Italian language

• Pass all local driving and municipal exams

• Go through the same rigorous license application process as Italians

Working for a cooperative or NCC company as an employee might be a smoother route for newcomers than becoming a fully independent taxi owner.

Conclusion

Becoming a taxi driver in Italy is a viable career path for those who enjoy driving, interacting with people, and navigating city streets. While the entry process is more regulated and costly compared to gig-based jobs like delivery, it offers the potential for stable income and long-term self-employment.

With tourism continuing to thrive and cities investing in smart transport systems, the future of taxi jobs in Italy—especially in digital and app-based formats—is promising. However, it’s essential to understand local licensing laws, prepare for upfront costs, and develop fluency in Italian to thrive in this field.