Transport for London (TfL) has defended its decision to make private hire drivers sit an English exam. The new requirement, which comes into effect in less than two months, has been criticised by Uber who feels jobs will be threatened as a result.
What’s Changing for Private Hire Drivers
From 1st October anyone applying for a new private hire license – plus existing drivers looking to renew – will need to pass an English language test if they are from a country where English is not the majority language.
Initial proposals had called for competence in spoken English only but the final draft requires an intermediate language qualification as a minimum. This means prospective drivers will be tested on their reading, writing and listening skills, as well as their speaking ability.
Referred to as the “B1” level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), passing the test asserts that an individual will have the “ability to express oneself in a limited way in familiar situations and to deal in a general way with non-routine information”.
Uber Unhappy
Uber’s general manager in London, Tom Elvidge, is concerned about the introduction of the exam, fearing it’ll put drivers out of work.
Uber supports the need for drivers to pass a spoken exam but feels the requirement to pass a written test will “threaten the livelihood of thousands of drivers”.
In an email to users calling on them to write to the London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, Mr Elvidge said: “Fewer drivers will mean longer waiting times or no cars when you need them most.”
TfL’s Defence
In response, TfL’s general manager of taxi and private hire, Helen Chapman, said they are “working to modernise and improve standards in London’s private hire industry” and that it was appropriate for an English language requirement to apply to private hire drivers.
What do you think? Is the requirement too strict or will it serve to improve the service provided by private hire drivers in the city?