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SOUTH HOLLAND: Taxi drivers in part of Fenland to be compelled to sit an English test


TAXI drivers in parts of Fenland will be told they must pass a written and spoken test in English or risk losing their licence.

The new policy is being introduced by South Holland District Council and all 337 existing drivers will be forced to take the test when they renew their licences.

Craig Fowler, the council's team leader for licensing, says there will be both a written and spoken test at the time of renewal.

"This would include answering some verbal questions, writing a simple receipt and explaining their understanding of certain conditions on the licence," he said.

"Applicants or existing licensed drivers who fail the test would not be licensed or have their license renewed on the basis that they are not fit and proper to hold a license."

Mr Fowler says the new tests are considered necessary "for public protection and an occupational requirement" and they anticipate am average of 100-120 tests a year.

South Holland Council asked existing drivers for their views on the new policy and Mr Fowler says they have been "generally supportive of this proposal". Other local authorities are already conducting such tests and some are placing more onerous requirements than that being proposed.

The council says that if the policy gets the go ahead, it will be a tough call for their staff who will have to devise the test and then have a member of staff sit with the application taking the test.

The council is being recommended to approve the scheme and to introduce a payment for each test to help pay the staffing costs.

Mr Fowler says if the council does not introduce the new policy, it could mean them being held responsible, for example, if a driver's failure to speak and understand English caused or contributed to an accident.

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

Good.

Regards

JD

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Copyright notice © The contents of this post are copyright of JD and are not to be reproduced outside of TDO without written permission.

Isn't that progressive, Taxi drivers in Holland needing to speak English.

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A member of the Hire or Reward Industry

Thats basically what you suggested yesterday!

regards

CC

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

Drivers will also have to explain their understanding of certain conditions on the licence, my oh my what next?

Regards

JD

_________________
Copyright notice © The contents of this post are copyright of JD and are not to be reproduced outside of TDO without written permission.

Its almost sensible

regards

CC

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

I am suprised that councils don't just say that in order to apply to be a driver you are required to have passed GCSE in English and maths to a certain level (or equvelent exams) It would save a lot of effort in devising suitable tests for applicants.

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Grandad,

A qualification in English language is without doubt overkill, I suspect a licensing authority is entitled to be reasured that everyone applying for a license can communicate with the public to whom they provide a service. I suspect the public are sick and tired of being greeted with the words "me no understand".

Regards

JD

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Copyright notice © The contents of this post are copyright of JD and are not to be reproduced outside of TDO without written permission.

or 'postacode'

regards

CC

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

Part of the NVQ is numeracy and literacy.

Part of every college's enrolment process is a English Language assessment.

Any driver with a qualification from a college can speak fluent English otherwise they are not allowed to go onto the course.

They even state that learning a foreign language is conducted and tutored in English.

B. Lucky

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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.

you have no chance then GA, any person going to Newcastle, needs an interpreter

Well they can pick one up on their way to Berwick

B. Lucky

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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.

Funny you should say that, I picked up a west african woman from the coach station in Manchester a while back, she was a new arrival who spoke very little English. She got in the cab and gave me a post code, naturaly me not being a sat nav man didn't have a clue what street or house the post code related to. Not to be deterred I got out my mobile phone waved it at her and her little rounded face lit up like a beacon, she realised what my gesture meant and she phoned the party at the address she was going to and then passed her phone to me so that I could get the details from the party on the other end. I suppose I need to get a sat nav or learn to speak multiple languages, including swahili.

I suppose its all about communication.

Regards

JD

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Copyright notice © The contents of this post are copyright of JD and are not to be reproduced outside of TDO without written permission.

you wanty meet my sister, she do plenty good time jigajig, love you long time...

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

I think we are already acquainted.

Regards

JD

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Copyright notice © The contents of this post are copyright of JD and are not to be reproduced outside of TDO without written permission.