Mixed reaction to compulsory 'knowledge' test for taxi drivers in Barrow A FURIOUS former cabbie labelled town hall bosses a "joke" after they canvassed views on proposed tests for taxi drivers.
Barrow Borough Council launched a public consultation into its plans to assess the fitness of individuals to be cabbies, with a written exam as one means of deciding.
While some drivers welcomed the move, many took issue, claiming they had driven taxis for decades and should be assumed to be fit to do so without having to sit a test.
Barrow Borough Council's executive committee has deferred a decision to recommend adopting the new "fitness of applicants for hackney carriage and private hire driver's licences policy" until its next meeting in October.
In a letter, one angry respondent to the council's consultation said: "I am an ex-taxi driver and I have to say you lot are a joke."
Another respondent, a hackney driver for 38 years, said: "I don't see why we should have to pay to prove that I can do my job via a knowledge test after doing it for so many years."
Under proposed plans, applicants for licences will need to undergo a written test covering multiple choice questions on local geography, the highway code, numeracy, vehicle maintenance and disability awareness.
Existing drivers would need to take the exam when their licence is up for renewal. Failure to reach the pass mark of 75 per cent could result in their licence being revoked.
Guidelines show applicants would be allowed three attempts at the test, after which there would need to be a minimum of six months before any new testing took place.
The law dictates that councils have a duty to ensure "fit and proper" persons are licensed to drive taxis.
Barrow Borough Council has decided to review its interpretation of the legislation, saying it was in part due to the independent inquiry into child sexual exploitation in Rotherham.
Along with the written test, the council would consider complaints against drivers and records of bad conduct.
Medical certificates would also be requested when applying and then when the driver reaches his or her 50th, 56th, 59th, 62nd birthday and then annually after they turn 65.
Attendance at a safeguarding awareness training session will also be compulsory.
There has been some support for the proposed new regulations, with one piece of feedback including: "I think the idea of a knowledge test is a good idea and should have been introduced a long time ago."
A decision by the executive committee on whether to endorse the plan was deferred until Wednesday October 19 so members can deal with all the comments from the consultation.
"I think now I've hopefully proved my worth as a driver and knowledge within my trade."
"I think the test should be for all. Those coming into the trade should definitely have it and those already in should know where they are going so it wouldn't be a problem."
"With regards to the testing of existing drivers, I do feel this would be a waste of time, resources and money."
source:
http://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/barrow/Mi ... 1f3bfc6-ds
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