Taxi Driver Online

English and local knowledge tests for taxi drivers?



TAXI AND private hire drivers could be forced to take English tests and be quizzed on local landmarks when applying for a licence in Shropshire.

Concerns have been raised that the current tests are not tough enough and the proposed new measures would ensure a good level of service and safety for passengers. Under the plans, applicants would be quizzed on their knowledge of local roads.

They would also face questions on landmarks in the county’s market towns including cinemas, hospitals and theatres.

Drivers would also be required to take a test of their understanding of the English language over the telephone or on a computer with their answers analysed by experts.

Under the proposals, If they fail three times they will not get a licence.

source: http://www.shropshirestar.com/news/

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

Not too sure that gives me much confidence.

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IDFIMH

Should be a humdinger of a knowledge test.....bearing in mind they amalgamated all the old zones earlier this year.

CC

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

Shropshire taxi drivers face stricter test


Taxi drivers in the county could face a more rigorous test in future under proposals being considered by Shropshire Council.

The plans include a more detailed knowledge of local areas and landmarks, such as theatres and hospitals.

The updated "knowledge" would affect both Hackney carriage and private hire drivers and would include a separate English test for the first time.

The plans go before the Strategic Licensing Committee on Wednesday.

Shropshire Council said the move was due to a "significant level of interest" from Hackney carriage drivers based outside the county.

It added that the updated test would improve public safety and would not cost significantly more to administer.

The current written test, taken in English, takes 45 minutes and includes a more basic understanding of local areas.

Applicants are also currently required to undergo a medical and criminal record check.

It said the new English test, taken on computer, would add £25 to the the cost of the test, which would be passed on to the applicant.

The council said a good knowledge of local areas was more important for black-cab drivers who often operate alone.

It acknowledged that private hire cabs were pre-booked and usually had a support operator back at base, who could advise on a route if required.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sh ... e-14803880

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

Lichfield have a test, basically if you know the main road thru town you cant fail


i passed it


i dont work in Lichfield so basically, why bother?

This is the basic flaw in all these tests, they are orientated at the town which houses the LA, but that LA can cover huge areas, i was once plated by Meirionnydd council based on Dolgellau - almost 19 miles away from where i was living and working, so why would i need to pass a knowledge test for a town id never go to or thru?

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

Private hire "taxi" drivers criticise Shropshire Council plans

BBC Don't know difference between PH and Hackney Carriage shocker

A private hire "taxi" with roof sign Private hire drivers say the signs make cars easier to identify at night

Private hire "taxi" drivers have criticised a plan by Shropshire Council to remove roof signs from cars.

The new plans come into force on 1 October and only affect private hire taxis.

The move is designed to distinguish them from hackney carriages, which operate under different licensing arrangements.

Driver Pat Henderson said the decision would make the cars difficult to identify and put people at risk.

Some private hire companies operating in Shropshire currently use illuminated roof signs to identify their cars and advertise their numbers.

Under the new arrangements, from October, those applying or reapplying for a licence would only be able to distinguish their cars by door signs.

'Vulnerable girls'

Ms Henderson said: "Coming out of a nightclub how many people are going to walk up and down looking at stickers.

"It's going to make young girls very vulnerable at nighttime.

"If you get into a taxi with a roof sign, whether it's ours or whoever, at least you know you're in a legitimate taxi."

Paul Mc Greary, Shropshire Council's group manager for public protection and enforcement, said the authority was following national good practice guidance and had carried out a six-month consultation.

"We're trying to avoid confusion. Black cabs can stop, pick up people, take them. Private hires have to be pre-booked. The primary focus is around public safety."

Oswestry black cab driver Tim Higgins said the key issue, in terms of safety, was insurance.

"A hackney vehicle is insured for public hire, which means it can be hailed from the roadside... if you do that with a private hire vehicle, you're travelling in an uninsured vehicle."

source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sh ... e-14839963

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

Nice to see PH admitting illegal plying for hire in Shropshire.

CC

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

I wonder how many of the drivers in Shropshire actually bothered responding to the consultation regarding the abandonment of zoning?

CC

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

Maybe a similar number to those Durham drivers that sat back and watched their livelihoods wash away.

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IDFIMH