Taxi Driver Online

Newport Taxi Drivers Could Face More Tests

Tuesday 8th September 2009

Trainee taxi drivers will learn today whether English and numeracy tests required before they apply for a driver licence are set to get more difficult.

The basic exams, designed to examine the standard of English and maths of every prospective Newport taxi driver, were implemented five years ago by the city council following a number of complaints from members of the public.

But the tests, which include calculating how much change a customer is owed and identifying addresses read aloud to a driver, will be reviewed by the authority’s licensing committee to see if taxi drivers’ basic language skills need to be improved.

Councillors requested the review at a licensing committee meeting last month, and asked that sample papers be brought to the meeting today to ensure tests are still satisfactory five years on.

Anyone wishing to apply for a private hire and hackney carriage driver license must sit the exam which is split into four parts; listening and understanding the English language, choosing the best reply to sentences read out by an examiner, maths puzzles and matching road names to map grid references.

Councillors will be able to request any amendments they feel are necessary to keep standards high.

Chairman of Newport Drivers Association Lionel Morris said he would welcome any changes proposed by the committee.

"The tests have been good for drivers," said Mr Morris. "If we really want to improve the relationships with our customers, we need to be able to converse and understand each other clearly."

He added improved communication would be particularly welcome as the association is now working with the council to open its first office for face-to-face contact with passengers.

Source; SouthWalesArgus.co.uk

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Kind regards,

Brummie Cabbie.

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They should also have a spelling test!!!

_________________
Kind regards,

Brummie Cabbie.

Type a message, post your news,
Disagree with other members' views;
But please, do have some decorum,
When debating on the TDO Forum.

Now that's better than the NVQ tests. The great CC said in a issue of Taxi Talk that any applicant should be able to speak and write basic English before they are given a badge.

You are supposed to be able to read and write English before you do the Btec or the NVQ but not all suppliers care cos all they see is ££££'s. The college I work from have advised a few candidates to learn English and even given advice regarding courses so they can. English should be a basic requirement to be a taxi driver in the UK

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Note to self: Just because it pops into my head does NOT mean it should come out of my mouth!!