Taxi Driver Online

Extra Test Idea For York Taxi Drivers

Monday 31st August 2009

New taxi drivers in York may be asked to take an extra test to ensure their skills behind the wheel are up to scratch.

Licensing chiefs plan to put in place a scheme which will require anybody applying for a licence to run a hackney carriage or minicab in the city to undergo an in-depth assessment of their on-road abilities before they can ferry passengers around.

If approved, the driving standards assessment – specifically tailored for the taxi trade – is expected to be introduced next April, although those who already have a taxi licence will not need to take it.

It has been proposed because of the influx of drivers from overseas who gained a driving licence in their home country but have not passed a UK test, and because of what City of York Council has said is “a rise in the number of drivers accumulating nine points or more on their driving licences”.

The Driving Standard Agency (DSA) examination will focus on honing many of the areas applicants will already have tackled in their original test, but also assesses the particular skills needed to drive a taxi safely, awareness and anticipation, correct use of speed, passenger safety and comfort and dealing with wheelchair-bound members of the public.

In a report which will go before a meeting of the council’s licensing and regulatory committee next week, the authority’s licensing manager, John Lacy, said: “It is widely accepted that driving skills, knowledge and standards can fade with the passage of time.

“In most areas of professional driving, a test is completed to show the suitability of the applicant in that field of driving. Hackney carriage and private hire drivers are the only group of professional drivers in the country who are not required to pass a further national driving standards test before they are allowed to carry passengers.”

Both York Private Hire Association and York Taxi Association (YTA) have backed the plans, saying the extra test could also be enforced when discipline or complaints matters arise involving drivers.

“We want the highest possible calibre of drivers in York and to provide reassurance for passengers – the aim is to raise the bar for those seeking a licence,” said YTA secretary Graham Phillips.

Council officers are recommending the policy for approval.

Source; ThePress.co.uk

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