An English council has unveiled radical new plans that could see changes to the way taxi drivers gain their license.
Ribble Valley Borough Council could change the current system, which was introduced in 2013, if the plans are approved at a meeting this week.
Increased Costs for Private Hire & Hackney Cab Divers
The changes would mean that private and hackney cab drivers no longer have to attend a ten week driving course before their licence is granted.
Instead, drivers would have to sit and pass the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) taxi driving test before the licence is issued. They will then need to complete a Level 2 NVQ in road passenger vehicle driving within 12 months of gaining their licence.
The DVSA test and NVQ qualification currently cost £75 and £150 respectively, and would have to be paid for by the driver. Whilst the current Steering to Success course is free.
“It would provide a practical driving and wheelchair assessment prior to issue of a licence and they would require a higher level of maths and English.”
Council Comment
Marshall Scott, chief executive at the council, believes that the new plan would be better.
He said: “It would provide a practical driving and wheelchair assessment prior to issue of a licence and they would require a higher level of maths and english. It also includes more detailed knowledge of disability issues.
“It will contain assessment on safety requirements and maintenance of the vehicle and assessment on knowledge of the legislation applicable to private-hire and hackney-carriage drivers, operators and vehicles.”
Cabbie Concern
However, concerned taxi drivers have expressed concern that the new plans might not work.
Jason Walker, manager at Tiger Taxis, said: “It takes two to three months to book the taxi test because the waiting list is so big. They should bring back the temporary licences which allowed drivers to work while getting their proper licences.
“They still have the regular driving licences. They are allowed to drive on the road. They should be able to earn money sooner than they are now. I agree with having some form of test. Language and area knowledge are important to the job but having to wait so long can put people off.”
If approved the council says it aims to seek the views of taxi drivers before making a final decision.