As late as the mid-1800s, an English gentleman was expected to beat a boorish cabman or bargee for an affront we would now consider trivial.
From the economist.com
Detective Robertson sought the assistance of a local cabman, who refused on the grounds that transporting her covered in filth would make his cab dirty.
From the en.wikipedia.org
A cabman who shared the suspect's fondness for smart headgear linked Muller, by its distinctive striped lining, to the crumpled black hat abandoned at the crime scene.
From the telegraph.co.uk
Retired British soldier Lieutenant Brackenbury Rich is beckoned into the back of an elegantly-appointed hansom by a mysterious cabman who whisks him off to a party.
From the en.wikipedia.org
More examples
Taxidriver: someone who drives a taxi for a living