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| Mandatory DSA 'taxi' tests for all Stoke cabbies? http://www.taxi-driver.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=13173 |
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| Author: | Sussex [ Thu Jan 07, 2010 10:42 am ] |
| Post subject: | Mandatory DSA 'taxi' tests for all Stoke cabbies? |
Taxi exam a testing time for cabbies EVERY taxi driver in Stoke-on-Trent may have to take an advanced test as part of plans to raise driving standards. The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) wants to introduce a specific driving test for taxi and private hire drivers. This would focus mainly on driving skills. The test would be mandatory for all new and existing drivers – with current cabbies required to take the test within five years. It also means that drivers could be forced to re-take the test if they breach any conditions of their licence. Taxi drivers will have to pay for the test themselves. It costs £78 if taken on a weekdays or £94 on a weekend and a weekday evening. Drivers with vehicles that carry wheelchairs will be charged £91 to take the test on a weekday or £110 on a weekend and weekday evening. Cabbie Dave Burgess-Pearson, from Bucknall, the former chairman of Stoke-on-Trent Hackney Carriage Association, said, "I'm all for new drivers having to take new tests, and drivers who have been before the licensing panel, but I don't think existing good quality drivers who have been driving for years should have to take another test to prove they are a good taxi driver. This Christmas has been the hardest for years. Some drivers are on their knees. They shouldn't have to fork out £80-100 to take another test. People just can't afford it." He added: "Another test won't stop people overcharging or being rude to customers. A test does not change a person." Stoke-on-Trent City Council's licensing and consumer protection committee meets tomorrow to discuss the recommendations. There is currently no DSA testing centre in Stoke-on-Trent which carries out this type of test. The nearest is in Derby. Committee chairman Councillor Joy Garner, pictured below, said: "We get quite a lot of complaints from people who don't feel safe in taxis. Our aim is to help drivers in whatever way we can and clear out those who are doing the profession a disservice. "I think that the DSA test should be brought in as an option to the licensing panel for drivers who regularly appear before the panel. "Then once the DSA establishes a base in Stoke-on-Trent further consideration should be given as to whether to make the test mandatory to all new and existing drivers." Abdul Rauf, chairman of the Hackney Carriage Association, said: "If the council does decide to implement the DSA test for all new and existing drivers, then it should provide the funding." |
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| Author: | Sussex [ Thu Jan 07, 2010 10:44 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Mandatory DSA 'taxi' tests for all Stoke cabbies? |
Sussex wrote: Abdul Rauf, chairman of the Hackney Carriage Association, said: "If the council does decide to implement the DSA test for all new and existing drivers, then it should provide the funding."
If the DSA tests get rid of the riff-raff, and keep them from coming into the trade, you fella will have more money than the Queen soon. 
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