Taxi Driver Online

Tougher test drive for Huddersfield taxi drivers


WANNABE taxi drivers are now being given tough tests – before being allowed to work in Huddersfield.

Drivers wanting to work in the area covered by Kirklees Council are being assessed by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) before being given a licence to drive a cab.

The authority follows another 120 councils throughout Britain who have already agreed to take taxi testing on board.

Specially-trained driving examiners assess the ability of applicants to drive safely and professionally in a ‘real’ environment.

The test includes manoeuvres designed specifically with the operational taxi driver in mind and is set at a higher standard than the practical test for learner drivers.

The assessment looks at the competence of the applicant to drive passengers in safety and comfort. Those who are successful receive a certificate of competence.

They are then assessed by the council’s licensing panel before being granted a permit to work as a taxi driver.

The Agency’s Chief Operating Officer Brian Gilhooley said: “We are delighted that Kirklees Council has decided to introduce this assessment as driving a taxi carries a great deal of responsibility.”

Taxi drivers are the only people to carry passengers for money who do not have to take statutory vocational tests.

The taxi testing is being carried out at driving test centres in Halifax, Huddersfield and Heckmondwike.

Catherine Walter, Licensing Manager for Kirklees Council, said: “Kirklees Council is fully committed to improving road safety at all levels.

“The opportunity to participate in the DSA Taxi and Private Hire Car Driver Assessment Scheme was seen as an excellent way to ensure that drivers licensed by this council are of a consistently high standard.

“The council feels that improving the safety of all persons using vehicles licensed by Kirklees Council is of paramount importance”.

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin