Name, age, hometown
Jeffery Brandford, 64, London
Job title
Addison Lee partner driver
How long have you been driving with Addison Lee?
I’ve been driving with Addison Lee for 25 years – a very long time by all accounts! Before I joined Addison Lee I was an executive car driver, but was attracted by the benefits that drivers working with Addison Lee received – they were really strong, even back then. I remember it being very easy to make the shift and sign up to work with Addison Lee.
What are the benefits of the job?
The flexibility is the main benefit for me. There is the opportunity to earn at any time – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The demand is always there so you really get to choose what works best for you, and can arrange work around your life, creating a great work-life balance. Not only is it an easy way to make great money, but I like being my own boss and cherry-picking when I want to work.
Why do you want to become a Black Taxi driver? Has anything prevented you from doing so until now?
As a Londoner, being a black taxi driver has always been aspirational for me. I’ve always had a lot of respect for black taxi drivers and all the knowledge they have. Working for Addison Lee, I’ve also been able to speak to drivers who have made the switch from private hire to black taxi, and it’s made me realise that it is achievable, and my age shouldn’t prevent me from doing this.
The cost was certainly a factor that originally held me back from making this career move. It seemed difficult to earn a decent living while training – I know a lot of people have managed to, but it wasn’t as easy as it is now.
The discounted training offer and schooling provided by Addison Lee is what made this choice a no-brainer. Having the opportunity to earn as a private hire driver while learning makes all the difference. In the past, studying for the Knowledge would require you to take time out to ride a motorbike across the streets of London to learn the different roads, but working with Addison Lee, I can use my electric vehicle to learn the roads – the fact they have unlimited mileage is clearly a huge benefit in this instance.
What support will Addison Lee be providing while you train for the Knowledge?
The best part of this new offer is that Addison Lee will be providing us with complete support along the way. The discounted training and materials make the Knowledge much more accessible, and it gives me peace of mind that there is a 24-hour support group if I ever have any questions.
It will also be nice to do the training with other Addison Lee partner drivers at the Fleet Hub, meaning there’s an entire community helping each other towards our goal. It’s great to see Addison Lee is supporting drivers’ career development and this extra support has given me real confidence that I can finally do this
