A) I'd be surprised if the partitions in NYC were actually bulletproof, though it's certainly possible. Everywhere else I've ever seen them, they're about 1/4 inch thick and really there to stop pax from reaching over and/or stabbing the driver.

B) I always ride in the front seat of cabs in Israel. I wouldn't say it's expected, but it's definitely more fun, assuming you can keep your eyes open.

I'm more curious to know whether being a taxi driver is a respected profession in all of those other countries.

I don't think you're going to be confused with a corporate executive if driving a cab in Israel, but it's a real job there, not something you just do after getting off the boat, or only if you're a night owl. It's about as close to a profession as you can get without requiring an education of some kind. I think Israeli cab drivers probably have the best life. They sit around and argue with each other and eat sunflower seeds when they're not busy.