Taxi Driver Online

Uber drops appeal against Transport for London's English language driver tests after changes to exam

Uber has dropped its opposition to Transport for London's (TfL) plans to introduce English language tests for drivers after the regulator quietly announced it intends to make changes to the proposed exam. The ride-hailing startup has dropped an appeal in the long-running case in which the High Court last year ruled drivers would have to pass an English exam.

Plans to introduce the test were pushed back to July this year after Uber said it would challenge the decision.

Now, that challenge has been dropped, City A.M. can exclusively reveal, in the latest indication of concessions being between the tech company and regulators as Uber seeks a renewal of its licence to operate.

TfL told drivers last week that it plans to make the test "more relevant to the role" with "bespoke material with language and vocabulary that directly relates to the role and responsibilities of a private hire driver". The original test had included asking drivers to write shorts essays about life on Mars and river pollution, subjects Uber had argued were unrelated to the job.

“This is a welcome announcement from TfL. We support raising standards and believe that a new test focused on situations drivers may encounter makes a lot more sense. This means we will no longer pursue our legal appeal,” said an Uber spokesperson.

A TfL spokesperson said: “We believe that the ability to communicate in English at an appropriate level is a crucial element of the high standards of passenger safety and service Londoners and visitors to the city deserve. “We are pleased that the appeal has been withdrawn and will work to introduce a new test that is more relevant to the role of a private hire driver. It would require applicants to demonstrate the appropriate level of English at the same level as the existing test but would include language and vocabulary that directly relates to a private hire driver’s role and responsibilities.”

And the move was welcomed by the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan. “I want the highest standards of passenger safety and service in London from private hire drivers and that’s why I’ve always said that if you want to drive passengers in London you should be able to communicate in English at an appropriate level. I look forward to TfL working to ensure we have a test that suitably reflects the needs of the role," he said.

The under pressure startup has struck a more conciliatory note since TfL said late last year that it would not renew Uber's licence in the capital. It can continue to operate while an appeal takes place. The change also comes under the new leadership of Dara Khosrowshahi, who replaced founder Travis Kalanick and has since taken a less combative approach.

Last week Uber introduced a raft of new measures, including 24/7 phone support for riders and drivers. In the same legal tussle over English tests, the High Court had ruled against TfL's plans to force Uber to have customer service call centres.

_________________
IDFIMH

Are they also given a driving test???

I thought they all had to do that anyway.

_________________
IDFIMH