Glaswegians looking for a career change could be in luck, as now is the perfect time to train to become a driver with Glasgow Taxis Ltd.

An audit of requests by GTL members found a recent spike in opportunities to drive one of more than 800 black cabs representing the company on the city’s streets.

Those interested in joining the public transport provider, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year, will first need to pass Glasgow City Council’s taxi knowledge test.

Glasgow Taxis Ltd Chairman Stephen Flynn, speaking on behalf of the company's executive committee, said: “We’re appealing for more drivers because there are now more Glasgow Taxis on the road than ever before.

“A number of owners are looking for drivers to utilise their cabs, either during day or night shift, which has created a great opportunity for those looking for a career-change to take the taxi driver training course in the knowledge that there are cabs there waiting to be driven.”

Taxi driver Sharon Henderson made the switch three years-ago. Previously, she owned and ran a snack van business.

She said: “Qualifying as a taxi driver is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The biggest benefit is the flexibility the job gives you. I could take my daughter to and from school and build my day from there.

“I’ve loved it so far. It feels like one big family at Glasgow Taxis. I get along really well with everyone I work with. It’s so different than my previous job as I can be where I want, when I want. “

The Glasgow Taxi training school, which is non-profit making and run by experienced Glasgow taxi drivers, prepares prospective drivers to sit the Glasgow City Council’s taxi knowledge test.

Classes run Monday to Thursday, from 7pm-9pm every week at Glasgow Taxis Boden Street HQ.

Participants are usually ready to take the test after taking two classes per week for a period of three months. Each class costs £6.

All Glasgow Taxis drivers are vetted through the Scottish Government’s PVG scheme and must also take the Glasgow Taxis Ltd Customer Care Course developed in partnership with Glasgow Life.

To find out more, phone 0141 554 2222. For further information about the process, visit www.glasgowtaxis.co.uk/glasgow-taxis/taxi-school-training/.