Revised training and testing for taxi drivers in new year
Released: 13 December 2007
Wolverhampton City Council is revising the training and testing procedures for prospective Private Hire and Hackney Carriage drivers in the New Year.
From January 2008, all applicants for Hackney Carriage or Private Hire drivers licences in Wolverhampton will be required to successfully complete a one day training course.
Chair of Licensing Committee, Councillor Bishan Dass, said: “Private Hire and Hackney Carriage drivers are increasingly being seen as ambassadors for the city and are often the first people visitors to Wolverhampton have contact with.
“Any improvement in the training offered to applicants for these licenses is certain to enhance the experience of people using these taxi services”, he added.
The new course will include elements such as the law relating to the licence holders, personal protection, advanced driving techniques customer care, disability awareness and a practical wheelchair demonstration.
At the end of the training drivers will have to pass a test based on the contents of the course. All applicants will also be assessed on their ability to converse effectively in English.
The new test has been implemented after feedback from both the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire trade as well as members of the general public.
Wolverhampton City Council has taken on board these comments and has worked in partnership with Worcestershire County Council to produce a bespoke, robust and effective course which will ensure that any new licensed drivers will have the necessary knowledge and skills to deliver an efficient and customer focused service to the people of Wolverhampton as well as visitors to the city.
There will also be a revised practical driving test which will include a geographical element and driving skills assessment over a period of one and a half hours.
Issued by the press office.
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