'Knowledge test' plan for Hull taxi drivers goes to councillors
Plans to introduce a so-called "knowledge test" for people applying to be taxi drivers in Hull will be considered by city councillors next week.
As first revealed in the Mail last year, the test will quiz applicants on their knowledge of Hull's road network.
If agreed, it would be part of a new BTEC Level 2 qualification, which would be a requirement for anyone applying for a Hackney carriage or private hire drivers' licence in the city.
Licences are currently approved if a driver passes a medical and completes a basic literacy and numeracy test. Applicants are also subject to a criminal record check.
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A report for next week's licensing committee says: "An understanding of how to provide a professional customer service in the industry and being aware of road safety while conveying passengers along with an understanding of how to plan routes and a knowledge of routes throughout the city are key elements of a licensed private hire or Hackney carriage drivers' role."
Comments
by fairway1
Tuesday, January 08 2013, 9:23PM
“Taxi drivers should have to pass an extended driving test and shouldn't be driving around on normal car licences. That goes especially for foreign taxi drivers, as well as the 'experienced' boys.
You can't just get behind the wheel of a bus or HGV and drive it, you have to pass the appropriate test for obvious reasons and for the extra responsibilities involved. Taxi drivers are transporting fare paying passengers, who could be your parents or children, and I've seen some unbelievably bad taxi driving around Hull. The younger ones treat the roads like a race track and the older ones have done it for so long they have forgotten how to use the INDICATORS on their vehicles. My local taxi firm on Hessle Rd are brilliant however, and it's a shame that the idiot MINORITY give the majority a bad name.”
by Woodhey
Tuesday, January 08 2013, 3:02PM
“Never mind "The Knowledge". Some of the drivers need to learn where the indicators are on their vehicles.”
by Mally_Hull
Tuesday, January 08 2013, 10:29AM
“How can they check for criminal records when they are from "overseas"?”
by AishaDelaney
Tuesday, January 08 2013, 8:06AM
“The council being ironic will end up printing the test in 48 languages.”
by buornfree
Tuesday, January 08 2013, 7:54AM
“Not before time some of them don't no there way round Hull I got one the other week and he did not have a clue where to go I had to tell him next time I will ask for an English driver or not get in the cab at all”