23/06/2014
South Somerset District Council has approved plans to introduce a compulsory knowledge test for those looking to obtain a hackney taxi or private hire license.
The news comes after the council recently revealed that there had been a growing concern over the increase in numbers of taxi license applicants in the last few years, with the bulk of them having a residential address out with the district.
A council report stated: “For some time both officers and members have become aware of an increase in the number of applications for drivers’ licenses.
“A proportion of these have been from out with the area and occasionally from different regions, with little evidence to suggest any intention to work in this area.”
The test will be made up of multiple choice questions. It will quiz drivers on numeracy and will be introduced to both hackney and private hire sides of the trade. New applicants will have to sit the knowledge test before being passed.
On top of this, all current licenses holders will be required to sit the test within two years of its introduction.
Views of the Trade
Some taxi drivers in the district have said they feel unsure about the changes but the general consensus overall is that it should have a positive impact on the trade and should hopefully keep customers happy too.
James Logsdon, BW Taxis, said: “I think it’s a good idea because of the rural location where we work because sat navs don’t always get it right.
“I’m not sure how the council will make it an accurate and fair test though.”