Taxi Driver Online

10 Jan 2008

Taxi drivers will not have to pass a test on their local knowledge

DESPITE a petition from Copeland tax-drivers, councillors are expected to
refuse a request that all drivers take a Driver Standards (DSA) and local
knowledge test.

In London cabbies have to pass “The Knowledge,” a gruelling test of how
to navigate their way around the city.

Last November 68 taxi drivers signed a petition to Copeland Council
calling for the local knowledge and DSA tests to be applied to all drivers
but a meeting of Copeland Taxi and General Licensing panel is today being
recommended not to take any action.

Marlene Jewell, senior legal services officer for Copeland, will tell
councillors that “Copeland had consulted 101 proprietors and received 19
replies of which six were in favour of the tests and 12 against.”

The recommendation to councillors states: “The council has no direct
evidence that the DSA and local knowledge tests enhance the driving skills
of of taxi drivers. DSA tests have never been required. However, some
years ago applicants for drivers’ licences were required to sit and pass a
local knowledge test.

“This subsequently ceased because it was not thought to be effective, or to
be serving a purpose.”

Source: Whitehaven News