Taxi Driver Online

bit of a hotch potch without the pictures from wales online

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/local ... f-12585323

Local taxi drivers could soon have a to take a driver knowledge test, as part of plans being considered by Rhondda Cynon Taf council .

At the moment, people who want to apply for a Joint Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle drivers' licence must achieve a BTEC qualification - in Transporting Passengers - which was a requirement introduced in February 2013.

Prospective taxi drivers must also provide a satisfactory medical, pass a DVLA check on their driving history and provide a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

'A more professional customer service'

Now, in a report by Louse Davies - RCT's head of environmental health, trading standards and community safety - it is revealed that the local authority will consider adding the driver knowledge test.

It will "further improve customer experience", match the policy of neighbouring Cardiff and Caerphilly councils, and address "poor local knowledge and the communication skills" of people applying to be taxi drivers.

1,300 people sign a petition against RCT council’s home-to-school-transport charges, se to begin in September.
RCT council offices in Clydach Vale, Rhondda
The report says: "The aim of the driver knowledge test is to further enhance the protection of public safety and provide public reassurance.

"This in turn will ensure a more professional customer service is delivered to taxi/ private hire vehicle users.

"There has been a rise in the number of 'out of area' applications and changes in market forces.

"In the absence of a local knowledge test there is an expressed perception from applicants that it is easier and cheaper to licence as a driver in RCT than with other local authorities.

Addressing 'poor local knowledge'

"The driver knowledge test introduction will address poor local knowledge and the communication skills of potential applicants."


If agreed, the test will have to be passed as a pre-application requirement - and will cost the applicant around £30 to cover the cost to the council of administering the scheme.

RCT council's cabinet members will discuss the proposal on Thursday, February 16.

This taxi was caught on camera overtaking in a terrifying way (but not in RCT):

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