Taxi Driver Online

March 12, 2008 Wednesday

Test for wannabe taxi drivers

Andover Advertiser

PROSPECTIVE taxi drivers wanting to work within Test Valley will now have to be assessed by the Driving Standards Agency.

Before being given a licence to drive a cab they will be subjected to testing at the Winchester driving test centre where specially trained examiners will assess the ability of applicants to drive safely and professionally in a real environment. The test includes manoeuvres designed specifically with the operational taxi driver in mind and is set at a higher standard than the practical test for learner drivers, and ensures the competence of the applicant to drive passengers in safety and comfort.

The scheme includes an enhanced Hackney Carriage test as well as a private hire taxi test.

Chief driving examiner Trevor Wedge said: "We are delighted that Test Valley Borough Council has decided to introduce this assessment as driving a taxi carries a great deal of responsibility."

Those who are successful receive a certificate of competence and more than 100 councils have already signed up to the taxi test.
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We have to sit our driving test all over again, if you want a licence.

IMO a good thing, with all the overseas persons with bent licenses coming in, it is not a bad thing to be doing.

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if you cannot be yourself, then who can you be.

Got mine, with a nice sticker for the window saying
"Accredited Private Hire driver" and yes the punters do notice it

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you can check out any time you like, but you can never leave.

Basildon also opt in to testing.

March 9, 2008 Sunday

Cabbies are now put to the test

Echo.

CABBIES wanting to work in the Basildon district now have to take a special test before being given a licence.

Basildon Council has agreed new applicants for taxi licences have to take the taxi test, set by the Driving Standards Agency.

Trained driving examiners at Southend Driving Test Centre are assessing the ability of applicants to drive safely and professionally on the roads.

The test, which was introduced at the beginning of the month, includes manoeuvres specifically for taxi drivers.

It is set at a higher standard than the practical test for learner drivers.

Basildon cabbie Ralph Morgan, 64, said: "It's a great idea. Anybody who drives the public around should go on a course.

"It's important people are told how to drive safely.

"Taxi drivers are the only people who carry passengers for a living but do not have to take a statutory test, unlike bus and coach drivers who have to prove their ability to be safe and competent."
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