What a new driver needs to know

Be alert and aware of your surroundings, know your location at all times and ALWAYS trust your instincts.
Never underestimate anyone, no matter how old or young, how they are dressed or look.

Be in charge, be firm and look confident.
Greet each passenger who gets in your cab and make eye contact with them. This sends a clear message to them you see them, they see you, and you can identify them if need be.

Be extra alert at night.
Nights are the most dangerous times to work. Lighting is poor, there are fewer people to witness a robbery or an attack.
Avoid stopping in poorly lit areas and always reverse down dead end streets.
Keep your vehicle running and doors locked. If you have a problem you will have a better chance of driving away.
Keeping your doors locked also helps to determine where your passengers sit. i.e. not directly behind you or not in the front seat.
Always keep your windows rolled up. Open it just enough to talk to people.
Don't lock passengers in if they refuse to pay the fare or you suspect they won't pay the fare. This could lead to violence or damage to your vehicle.
If in doubt politely say that it's policy to take cash up front on £xx.00 amount fares, when leaving the city limits or that other drivers have had non paying passengers to that area of destination.

As a Hackney driver always ask your passengers where they want to go before you drive away.
If they refuse to tell you the destination you can refuse to take them, or politely tell them it's policy that you have an address.
Be cautious when passengers change their destination or give unclear instructions.
Always tell your dispatcher any change of destination. This will let the passenger know that others know where you are going.
Read the body language of your passenger - Nervousness, lack of eye contact, sitting behind you...

Limit the money you carry.
Do not count cash where people can see you.
Keep cash and valuables out of sight.
Don't wear expensive jewellery or watches. Buy a cheap watch
If you wear a chain or your badge around your neck make sure it's thin enough to break.
NEVER tell Passengers you are having a good shift or your shift is almost over. Tell them a white lie, it's been slow, this is your first job in an hour or you have just started your shift.
Politely decline to change large notes such as £50 and offer to stop at a shop or fuel station for them to change it.
If you have a long journey/large fare trust your instincts, offer the option to pay by credit/debit card or leave your takings and the fare with your dispatcher or another driver before setting off.

Don't resist.
If someone tries to rob you give them what they want.
Your vehicle and money can be replaced, your life can't.

Keep a spare key in your pocket. If a thief or attacker takes your keys or damages your radio you can use the spare to go get help.

Do not chase non paying passengers. It's just not worth it.
If a passenger leaves without paying or does not return from a building with the fare, do not follow them.
Chasing a passenger or going into a building to confront them is dangerous.
Report these incidents to the police.

Always keep calm and don't be argumentative.
Although this may be hard for some drivers, this is the most important tip to avoid violent situations.
9/10 Arguing with a passenger can lead to violence, so don't give your passenger(s) any excuse to attack you."