Trade representatives in Wakefield have asked that those with recognised qualifications like GCSEs should not have to take the literacy and numeracy test.

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Leeds and Wakefield: Would-be cab drivers failing English tests


Hundreds of would-be taxi and private hire drivers in Leeds and Wakefield have failed tests in English and local knowledge.

The tests by Leeds City Council and Wakefield Council are designed to ensure drivers applying to be cabbies have a good knowledge of English, with the knowledge test making sure they know their way around the city.

But figures just released show that 448 applicants across both cities have failed to pass the various tests first time over the last year.

Council bosses say that means the tests, which drivers are charged for, are doing their job.

In Leeds, from April last year to April this year, 348 have passed the council’s literacy test for new applicants, with 217 failing meaning they must the take the test again before being allowed to pick up passengers.

During the same period, 190 took the council’s knowledge test of local routes. Of those, 67 passed first time, with 123 failing on their first try.

In Wakefield a report to the council’s licensing committee, who met this week, says since April last year until April this year, 135 candidates took the literacy and numeracy test, with just 49 being successful.

And 47 candidates took the knowledge test, with 25 passing during the same time frame.

Trade representatives in Wakefield have asked that those with recognised qualifications like GCSEs should not have to take the literacy and numeracy test.

But a report to the committee said: “On the face of it, this seems reasonable, however, there are a number of concerns specifically relating to defining equivalency and perhaps more importantly, the authenticity of the qualification and whether it has been awarded to that applicant and how this would be verified.”

The report adds that one applicant has attempted to submit fraudulent certificates and is currently subject to legal action.

A spokesman for Leeds City Council added: “These figures show that the council’s policy on ensuring taxi and private hire drivers have good English and comprehension skills is working. Anyone who fails the tests cannot be granted a licence, but they have the chance to continue to learn and improve before taking the tests again.”

source: http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/n ... -1-5744484