Taxi Driver Online

A taxi firm based in Whitefield is leading the way by sending its drivers back to the classroom.

Around 150 cabbies employed with Magnum Whiteline have passed their NVQ level two as a qualified driver.

Now the firm has plans to set up a training academy to help other drivers attain the qualification.

The test means drivers have the skills and competence in areas such as vehicle maintenance, cleanliness and good customer relations.

Co-partner of Magnum Whiteline, Mr Ray Murray, said: “While this qualification is not yet compulsory, I insist all the drivers have it.

“We already have another 26 people we’ve recently recruited lined up to take it.

“We aim to keep our standards high and the qualification is based around good customer service, the cleanliness of vehicles, and punctuality.”

Five drivers trained up as assessors and the firm was assisted by Cable Com Training Ltd, from Stockton-On-Tees.

Mr Murray said he now planned to extend his control centre at its head office in Bury New Road and set up a training school for drivers there.

Drivers attended Radcliffe Civic Suite last Friday to be presented with their NVQ certificates in the presence of Bury Council’s head of licensing, Andrew Johnson, and Councillor Sam Cohen, executive member for safe and secure communities.

Councillor Cohen said: “I am delighted that Magnum Whiteline, which is the largest private hire company in the borough, has taken the trouble to train its drivers under this initiative.

“Anything that helps to keep the travelling public of Bury safer and provides them with a better service is well worthwhile, and I hope that other companies in the borough will follow suit.”

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