Taxi Driver Online

Hi to all
I have just joined this forum - I am a full-time taxi driver in Dundee, for the past 24 years now, but I am soon going to be leaving to take a job completely outside of the taxi trade.

I would like to be able to keep my badge just in case things did not work out in my new job or I was made redundant, as its the only other occupation I have any experience of.

But on my last renewal I noticed the new condition no 25 which means I have to hand my badge in to the Council once I stop driving. And I recall having to specify my operator's name and address on renewing last time in 2011.

What will this mean when it comes to renewal in May 2014? Will I still be able to renew even though I am not currently driving a taxi?

I do not mind paying the license fee. I just want to know I have a job to fall back on.

I have heard the taxi test has become very difficult and I would not want to have to resit it, and suffer delays in getting back as a taxi-driver if I needed it. I have heard some horror stories - is the test really this bad?

Any replies appreciated, thank you

That condition wouldn't be permitted south of the border - Gusmac will probably advise you in due course.

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

Just keep stum and renew as and when, otherwise you will have to jump through all the hoops and other obstacles they throw at you to get it back.
If they ask your driving part time, you might consider this as an option if you want some fag or booze money

e-cig or fruit juice, surely

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My heart is heavy, but my consience clear,
I voted Yes, without any fear.

Yes your correct, Im on week 19 now

Took me a while to find it.

I don't read anything there that says you can't renew the licence, just that the licence and badge have to be "retained in the custody of the licensing authority during any period(s) of time when the licence-holder is not employed as a taxi driver."
I'd just comply with the condition and renew the licence at the correct time. If you return to driving, they have to hand you back your licence and badge. If the don't, the Sheriff court will do it for them.
IMHO As an existing licence holder, they can't require you to resit your knowledge test unless they do the same with all existing licence holders.

We have a similar condition in Aberdeen, which doesn't ever seem to be enforced.

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http://wingsoverscotland.com/ http://www.newsnetscotland.com/

I knew it

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

I could keep stum, but I don't know what checks they do - and I wouldn't want hauled up before the council - they say providing any false info is a criminal offence. I think I will just do what they require as Gusmac says, though I don't really trust the council, and wonder what they are up to with this new condition.

The new taxi driver test in Dundee is MUCH harder than before, with high passing mark of 85%. A younger driver I spoke to recently said there is no way you could pass it unless you'd seen the answers first. Certain people (something to do with 203020) have the answers and you have to sign up with them as a driver to get 'put through' your taxi test. And if you leave straight after passing, then that could be a problem.