Taxi Driver Online

Taxi drivers to face safeguarding test - or lose their licences


Taxi drivers in Gedling will have to pay for the test as part of their license fee

Taxi drivers in Gedling will have to take a test on safeguarding children and vulnerable people after high profile court cases put their profession under the spotlight.

But local firms claim they already make sure their staff are trained and are against "paying for the same thing twice."

At Gedling Borough Council's environment and licensing committee on Wednesday, members agreed that all drivers should take the test as part of the council's legal responsibility to make sure they are "fit and proper" for the job.

Andy Callingham, the service manager for public protection at the council, presented a report recommending a two-hour safeguarding awareness session, covering topics including the protection of children, child sexual exploitation and domestic violence.

This would then be followed by a test, which would need a score of 75 percent for drivers to pass.

"It is proposed that the session along with the test be introduced to ensure all drivers have a sound understanding of their responsibilities," he said.

"And it will seek to make clear to drivers and operators who they should report any concerns to... ensuring a safe, professional standard of service is provided."

The test will apply to all drivers, whether they already operate in the area, are applying for a license for the first time or are renewing one they already have.

But Nick Wood, who runs Alert Cars in Arnold, said it would just lead to taxi drivers paying out more for what they already know.

"All my drivers are checked, and they all are NVQ qualified to look after children and disabled passengers," he said. "It is the same for virtually every driver in the borough.

"Taxi drivers already pay an arm and a leg to operate in the area. I don't see how the council can go about charging us for something we already do ourselves."

In 2014, the council introduced a "knowledge" test after concerns that too many taxi drivers from outside the borough saw them as an easy place to get a licence.

More than 100 taxi drivers protested against the move, claiming some drivers would lose their living.

This latest test will add another £15 to the license fee each year over three years.

Councillor David Ellis, portfolio holder for public protection at the council, said: "This is not something we ask drivers to do without doing it ourselves as all our frontline staff have received similar training which has seen a significant rise in referrals to our safeguarding team.

"We will consult with the drivers and ensure their views are heard on the matter and letters will be going out to drivers today."

The idea has won the support of children's charities, however.

A spokesman from the NSPCC in the Midlands said: "This is a positive move that could help keep children safe and ensure action is taken quickly if a child is being abused.

"Victims of child sexual exploitation and abuse often feel trapped - but this training may lead to someone giving them a way out."

Anyone concerned about a child should call the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000.


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

This latest test will add another £15 to the license fee each year over three years.

ah a new way of making money out of drivers coming to a council near you

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lack of modern legislation is the iceberg sinking the titanic of the transport sector