Why Getting a Taxi License in Serbia Is an Absolute Nightmare
Ever wondered why, when you need a taxi the most, there’s never one around? You’re not alone! In Serbia, getting a taxi license is a total nightmare. In the last two years, only about 200 new taxi drivers have been granted licenses, even though there are still spots available.
Bureaucracy or Just Making Life Hard?
Vladimir Jovanović has dreamed of becoming a taxi driver for almost a year now, but he still hasn’t gotten his license. He applies to every contest but no luck so far. Why? Because gathering all the required documents is a huge hassle. You must have no criminal record, no tax debts, be a professional driver, and have completed traffic school. Sounds easy? Think again. There are about six different documents needed, some valid for only 15 days, others for 3 months, and some for 3 years. You have to keep renewing and resubmitting them over and over.
“My case is individual, my problem,” says Vladimir, “but I support that licenses shouldn’t be handed out to everyone, or else the taxi system would lose its meaning.”
Knowing the City Is a Must
One of the most important documents is proof of knowledge of the city. It’s not enough to know the streets; you must know the history of places like Avala, Tašmajdan, and other landmarks. Aleksandar Bjelić, president of the Serbian Taxi Association, stresses this is important because Belgrade is full of tourists, and taxi drivers should speak well about their city.
Demand Is Dropping, Licenses Are Scarce
Even though there are free spots, demand for taxi services has dropped by 50% compared to last year. That’s why fewer new licenses are being issued. The Traffic Faculty creates a five-year plan that dictates how many new taxi drivers can enter the market each year. But professionals say it all depends on how many people actually meet the requirements.
Is the System Fair or Just Overcomplicated?
While some wait endlessly, others wonder if this system is just a way to artificially keep the number of taxi drivers low. Is all this bureaucracy really necessary, or just another way to make life harder for ordinary people who want to work?
If you ever thought getting a taxi license in Serbia is like climbing a mountain, you’re not far off. Got a story about waiting for your license? Or know someone who made it? Drop a comment and let’s see who’s the most persistent taxi driver in town!
