Taxi Driver Online

The Northern Echo

February 3, 2007

HEADLINE: COUNCIL SET TO PRESS AHEAD ON CABBIE TESTS

A COUNCIL looks set to go ahead with controversial tests for taxi drivers - despite a wave of opposition from the industry.

Hambleton District Council's new licensing policy, which was approved in November, requires existing drivers to pass a taxi assessment test from the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) before their licences are renewed at the end of July. New drivers have to pass it by January 31, next year.

Outraged drivers called a meeting in Northallerton to protest about the policy.

Senior council managers who attended the meeting agreed to review the introduction of the advanced driving test after the cabbies said it would not improve safety - and could lead to a drop in the number of drivers.

The policy will go back to the council's licensing committee on Friday and chief executive Peter Simpson has recommended that the advanced test should be retained - and a requirement for a knowledge test be added.

He said: "Notwithstanding the significant opposition to the policy proposals, particularly the driving test, I believe there are sound reasons for confirming the introduction of the driving test and knowledge test, as proposed in December.

"The test is more stringent than a normal driving test and is designed for taxi drivers. In my opinion, it will ensure a higher standard of driving than relying on the normal driving test.

"There is no evidence from districts, such as Craven, which have introduced the test that it has had a significant effect on driver numbers. The DSA has confirmed it has the capacity to test all existing drivers by the end of July if they apply in good time."

.........................................