Taxi Driver Online

‘Knowledge’ test for taxi drivers set to be scrapped in Bury

A decision on whether to remove the ‘knowledge’ test for taxi drivers in Bury is set to be made this week.

To gain a taxi licence, drivers currently have to take a geographical test correctly identifying locations and the most direct routes in the borough.

However, a proposed change in policy by Bury Council will see the tests thrown out due to ‘changes to modern operational practices and increased provision use and availability of GPS equipment’.

The current knowledge test for cabbies in Bury sees them asked to pinpoint three locations using a map, face 15 questions on road names of where premises are located and recount two journeys by the shortest route between two specific locations from memory.

The new knowledge test would not have any geographical element but would be revised to cover other topics in greater depth which are relevant to public safety such as licence conditions, safeguarding and road signs.

A consultation exercise with driver, taxi firms and the public was undertaken on the matter along with other changes to taxi policy in Bury.

One response from a private hire form said: “Everybody uses GPS now and I do not think that knowing roads is of any benefit, also the GPS allows for diverted routes in the event of traffic or accident to get to the destination faster for driver and customer.”

Another response, said: “Geographical knowledge is not required in this current age due to modern tools such as GPS systems.

“Such systems can now take into account shortest routes and also how to avoid the likes of traffic situations depending on time of day.”

A council report to be put before members of the licensing committee on Thursday said: “The knowledge test was introduced reflecting the technology at the time which was a reliance on physical maps and practical knowledge of the area.

“The licensing service is conscious of the rapid development of technology which it is accepted is widely used currently by the private hire trade. Furthermore, the council is committed to addressing concerns of the trade and members regarding decreasing numbers of licensed drivers in Bury and increasing numbers of licensed vehicles and drivers from ‘out of town’ areas.

“With readily accessible modern technology used by the trade, the licensing service believe that the geographic element of the knowledge test has been effectively rendered unnecessary.”

If approved on Thursday the new standard would come into effect for all new applications from January 1, 2024.

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IDFIMH

Unclear if it's about PH-only, or HC as well, but the quoted statements in the article only refer to PH.


I'd guess the 'increasing concerns' are from private hire operators rather than the trade more widely.

And the latter part obviously alluding to Wolverhampton, or other low-rent authorities

Possibly.

If so yet another race to the bottom.

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IDFIMH

New standards agreed for local taxi trade

Bury Council has adopted revised taxi standards to maintain passenger and driver safety and support the licensed trade.

It follows a period of consultation with the public and the industry, and will cover both Hackney carriages and private hire vehicles.

The new standards include changes to signage on vehicles, to be phased in over a 12-month period, alongside changes to licence conditions and to the knowledge test which is undertaken by new drivers applying to be licensed drivers. This is aimed at modernising and reflecting changes in current operating practices.

Councillor Charlotte Morris, cabinet member for culture, the economy and skills, said: “We’ve worked closely with the licensed taxi trade and appreciate their co-operation in drawing up these changes, which reinforce our shared commitment to ensure that the service they provide meets the highest standards of safety for drivers and passengers alike.”

A spokesman for Bury Private Hire Drivers Association said: “The taxi industry is an essential service that ensures the community's safe and reliable transportation.

“The council’s dedication to reviewing policies demonstrates their understanding of the ever-evolving landscape of the taxi trade and their commitment to meeting the needs of both drivers and passengers. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the licensing service to create an environment that fosters growth, innovation, and the highest standard of service within the taxi industry.”

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IDFIMH

Interesting to note that the above is the official council press release. And even more interesting is that the PHA's statement could well have been made by the council, which is a bit different from the norm

But which maybe answers the question I posed earlier about whether it was an HC or PH knowledge test, or both.

Again the clues were there earlier as regards the apparent shortage of drivers. Thus I'd guess it was mostly about PH operators managing to recruit more drivers, hence the PHA's bull about "ever-evolving landscape" and "looking forward to continuing our collaboration with the licensing service to create an environment that fosters growth, innovation and the highest standard of service within the taxi industry."

Aka dumbing down and cheap labour

In fact it's not a PHA, precisely, and it's called the 'Bury Private Hire Drivers Association'.

Somehow I doubt the *drivers* want the knowledge watered down. Maybe the association should be renamed

To be fair, the latest statement doesn't actually say that the knowledge has been watered down or abolished, but I'd guess it has, reading between the lines. But hence the bull about 'working closely' etc, rather than simply stating the facts

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IDFIMH