Taxi Driver Online

Northamptonshire taxi drivers face English and maths tests


Tests in maths, English, advanced driving and vehicle maintenance could be made compulsory for new taxi drivers in a Northamptonshire town.

Wellingborough councillors are to discuss licensing of drivers and operators at a meeting on 21 November.

The aim is to improve standards and make journeys safer for passengers.

Drivers already licensed will also have to take the advanced driving test if they are subjects of complaints or have an accident that was their fault.

The new policy will be put out to public consultation when formulated.

"At the moment only Hackney Carriage drivers are asked to undertake a knowledge test, which covers specific routes without the use of a map but also acts as a basic English test," a Wellingborough Borough Council spokesman said.

"Under the new proposals private hire drivers would also be required to take a test to check their understanding of English and a basic maths test so that they are confident in taking payment and giving change."

Peter Morrall, chairman of the community committee, said: "This document brings all our policies together and goes that little bit further to improve standards even more.

"A taxi driver is in a position of trust and we need to make sure that the person applying is considered fit and proper to hold a licence, and that their driving and vehicle is safe."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-northamptonshire-15728828

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

About time too.

_________________
IDFIMH

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

Plans to force taxi drivers to take English and Maths test supported

Plans to force new taxi drivers in a Northamptonshire town to take basic English and Maths tests have been supported by the local council.

Councillors in Wellingborough backed plans to introduce the basic tests in the borough at a committee meeting earlier this week.

Those behind the scheme say it would improve standards for passengers.

Members at the meeting welcomed the idea. The plans will now go out to public consultation for six weeks.

Councillor Peter Morrall, chairman of the community committee, said: "We've always had a number of very robust policies we use for guidance when granting taxi licences, but this document brings all those policies together and goes that little bit further to improve standards even more."

Currently only Hackney Carriage drivers are asked to undertake a knowledge test, which covers specific routes but also acts as a basic English test.

Under the new proposals private hire drivers would also be required to take a test to check their understanding of English and a basic maths test so that they are confident in taking payment and giving change.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-no ... e-15853337

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