Taxi Driver Online

Cab driver test 'deficient'

May 10, 2007

THE accreditation process for taxi drivers is deficient, a District Court Master has warned.

Upholding the three-year licence ban of a taxi driver who refused to take a guide dog, Master Peter Norman said it was particularly worrying accrediting authorities were unaware of the driver's psychological condition.

The court heard evidence of taxi drivers of overseas origin, who had a minimal understanding of English but were able to easily pass taxi driver accreditation courses without fully understanding their duties and responsibilities. It also heard from guide dog owner Peter Ellson, who said he had experienced at least 15 incidents of taxi drivers not knowing their obligations to disabled people and refusing to take his dog.

Mr Norman said the evidence suggested "deficiencies in the accreditation process". It also was of "particular concern" that accrediting authorities were not aware the driver, who refused to take Mr Ellson's guide dog, Nariman Fathi, had symptoms of chronic post-traumatic stress disorder, he said.

"In my view, it is of particular concern that a taxi driver should be suffering such a serious condition, with symptoms such as these, whilst this was and remained unknown to the accrediting authority," he said.

He said it would be "appropriate" for his comments to be provided to authorities responsible for the accreditation of drivers of public passenger vehicles.

Mr Ellson, of Kingscote, welcomed the court's decision upholding Mr Fathi's three-year ban on driving taxis. "It's definitely a serious message to go out to the taxi community that if you don't take guide dogs, you're up for a big penalty," he said.

Mr Ellson complained to authorities after Mr Fathi refused to take his dog at the Highlander Hotel, Gilles Plains, in February last year. Mr Fathi claimed he was unaware of regulations requiring him to take guide dogs.

Mr Norman said knowledge of the rules and regulations for driving taxis were as essential for drivers to know as road rules.

State Transport Department spokeswoman Nicki Stewart said the taxi task-force was looking at the structure of driver-training courses.

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taxicabs_around_the_world

I would refuse a guild dog as well. I have an allergy to dogs. if one was in my car it would not be advisable for me to drive, my eyes would close and water I would not stop sneezing , So am I meant to ignor that.

Yes, unless you get an opt-out from your GP and present it to your licensing authority.

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IDFIMH