Dundee Taxi Drivers Association bosses are urging all of its drivers to schedule in SVQ training urgently, if they haven’t already done so.
Compulsory Training for Taxi Drivers
In 2014 Dundee City Council’s licensing committee introduced a new licensing law making all drivers sit a compulsory training course in order to retain their license.
The council gave the drivers three years to complete the SVQ but two and half years on, and with the deadline looming, taxi officials are worried that some drivers will lose their licence.
Chairman of the Dundee Taxi Drivers Association, Graeme Stephen, said: “I think there was maybe a feeling when it was announced that some drivers thought they wouldn’t have to do it and could carry on driving but that’s not the case.
“There’s no excuse, they’ve had three years to do it. I can’t see how it’ll be a bad thing as it’s a qualification at the end of the day. There could be a few who will find they can’t carry on driving in May or decide to retire or quit.
“People who have started it by May 31st will be given a temporary licence for three months to complete it in that time. For anyone else, they will have their licence revoked and have to do their street knowledge test and medical again, as well as the SVQ.”
The Costs
“Drivers should be made aware of the £200 grant available to them.”
Unite the Union is running a version of the course which takes three months to complete and costs £400. Alternatively, drivers can choose to pay £375 for the Dundee and Angus College fast-track course which only takes two weeks to complete.
Supporting the training, Graeme added: “I’ve been driving a cab for 20 years and even I picked up a few things on the course. The cost could most definitely be a factor but drivers should be made aware of the £200 grant available to them which will mitigate this a little.”
Final Push
The council is making one final push to encourage drivers to, at least, book in for the course before the end of May deadline.
Chairman of the licensing committee, Councillor Stewart Hunter, said: “We’ve made it clear that we will ensure these qualifications have been met by all drivers.
“I think perhaps some drivers thought this wouldn’t be implemented or that it wasn’t important but it’s essential if drivers want to remain on the road. I’d encourage anybody who hasn’t registered to do it now and not to wait about until it’s too late.”