Taxi Driver Online

Halifax Courier

May 31, 2008

Better skills on offer to our cabbies

THE 1,200 or so taxi drivers who regularly work in Calderdale are being given the chance to get a nationally recognised qualification.

Calderdale Council has teamed up with GoSkills to run a free training course which can lead to an NVQ level 2 in the subject of passenger transport.

"It is the first time such training has been available in Calderdale and the great thing about the course is that taxi drivers can tailor it to suit their needs, so it doesn't interfere with their work," said corporate services spokesman Graham Hall (Con, Hipperholme and Lightcliffe).

"I really hope that drivers seize the chance to improve their personal development and the service they offer to customers."

There are about 1,000 private- hire drivers in Calderdale and 200 driving hackney carriages.

Since March, everyone applying for a licence has had to undergo a "local knowledge" test, covering such things as motoring rules and regulations, the location of police stations, the hospital and routes between key points.

As about one fifth of drivers do not live in Calderdale, the test is a way of getting to know the area. Although the test is compulsory, the new training course which begins next month is optional and entirely free.

It is designed to equip drivers with a qualification that recognised their skills and also teaches customer service, safety and security, disability awareness, route planning and legislation.

Drivers will have to complete the course over a number of hours but they will be able to work with the provider to fit those hours in around their job.

At the open day on June 26 in the Hanson Lane Enterprise Centre, drivers will have the chance to meet representatives from Go Skills, the NVQ training providers and the council's licensing department.

They will also be able to find out how the training will be of benefit and what other drivers are doing around the area.
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Blimey, old Yorkie might have to do a spelling and grammar test.

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IDFIMH

He will be asked ................. but never forced to take the course.

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"Here's a simple solution. If you don't want to pay more for a premium service then wait in the queue, problem solved".
Skull on TDO

TF pi$$ed on his chips.