Taxi Driver Online

English test is ‘ludicrous’ claim outraged cabbies


Cabbies in Staines will soon have to take a spoken English test before they can get behind the wheel, a move taxi drivers branded “ludicrous”.

A Spelthorne Council official confirmed the licensing department is looking to introduce a 15-minute interview alongside the existing application.

Taxi drivers have branded the plan unnecessary, claiming the council should be using time and cash to police present cab problems, including Hackney carriages illegally flooding car parks, drivers urinating in public places and unruly behaviour.

Staines driver Terry Lyden, who has been a cabbie for 20 years, said: “I don’t honestly think we need yet more costly bureaucracy. Spelthorne cannot or will not control elements of licensing even after five years, it’s ludicrous.

“I think an English test should simply consist of the applicant’s ability to understand where passengers want to go and be able to converse as to fares etc.”

He added: “Most of the guys I spoke to last night about the English test were incredulous and some felt slighted. ‘Why should an Englishman have to take an English test?’ was the point of view expressed, but obviously others may have different views.”

Mr Lyden, who works for private hire firm Ronia Mini Cabs, said since the council agreed to a three-car Hackney carriage rank at the station things had gone from bad to worse for private cabs, as carriage drivers flood the car park blocking the private firm’s office.

Lynda Murley, owner of Ronia Mini Cabs in Gresham Road, said: “We have enough problems as it is.

“As a private firm people call us for taxis. But these carriage drivers, who are from all over, not just Spelthorne, block our offices so people think they are getting in one of our cabs.

“We get all the phone calls if people leave something in their cab, it’s just not fair to the public. Because we are a private firm we have to provide toilets and a rest space.

“I have seen Hackney drivers urinating against the wall behind our office and they think it’s very funny.

“They have also parked outside our office and shouted at customers waiting for cabs. Spending time and money on doing a spoken English test is not going to solve our problems.”

Spelthorne Council environmental health officer Jonathan Bramley said the authority was looking at adopting a 15-minute interview similar to Manchester Council, but the cost of applying for a licence will not change and it is only new applicants who would sit the test.

He said: “It is our aim to preserve the safety of the public. Everyone, no matter what nationality, will sit the test.”

The test

Cabbies will take a talking task, with questions such as “Describe a recent journey you took” or “Describe your favourite place in Staines”.

There is also an understanding task where they must show they are able to understand commonly used phrases such as “Can you drop me after the lights?” or “Can I have a receipt?”

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

I hope they do not introduce that in Scotland as some tourist do not understand me in-fact some of my friends don't ,they say i talk s...

its not WHAT you say, its HOW you say it...

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=8T-AYKo_ygk

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Of all the things ive lost, i miss my mind the most

That's not too much time and effort seeing as you are already there filling in your application



One would pressume that this test will be taken during office hours when the LO's are usually in the office so it should not in fact cost much if any more than current wage levels anyway. As stated in the report it isn't going to put licences up so they either don't want to spend money on policing or they currently don't have any money to spend on policing.

IMO I think it's a good idea

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Note to self: Just because it pops into my head does NOT mean it should come out of my mouth!!

I hope that they have some qualifications to back up any decisions they make make.

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Justice for the 96. It has only taken 27 years...........repeat the same lies for 27 years and the truth sounds strange to people!

NVQ in English Language should do the trick. I think that is the equivilant of your CSE grade 1 or an O'Level

_________________
Note to self: Just because it pops into my head does NOT mean it should come out of my mouth!!

WOW! I remember them.

CC

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

Perhaps Spelthorne could introduce the following question to their test:

Did you know it's illegal to ply for hire in Central London?

It seems a few of their drivers who own LTI vehicles have some difficulty with that one.

Maybe Westminster should give them a rank.

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IDFIMH

Thats me done for then, I only got a grade 3 CSE in English.

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Grandad,

Started work at 15, didnt bother with exams.

CC

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

Well I've got exam results coming out of my ears but it ain't gonna make me earn anymore money but then money will not make you happy

_________________
Note to self: Just because it pops into my head does NOT mean it should come out of my mouth!!

I also have a string of qualifications and I certainy think they helped me to earn more money before I decided to work for myself, or should that be the wife's puppet.

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Grandad,

I havent even got a string

CC

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

I've worked for myself or my father since I was 22 I think I might die if I had to work for somebody else on a 9 - 5 regime

_________________
Note to self: Just because it pops into my head does NOT mean it should come out of my mouth!!