Driving up standards for taxi drivers in Bury

New tests are being introduced for future taxi drivers in Bury in order to drive up standards and ensure passenger safety.

People who want to drive a Hackney (‘black’) cab or private hire vehicle will have to show that their driving ability and communication skills are up to the mark.

Firstly, they will have to provide evidence that they have had a Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency driving assessment. Secondly, if they cannot produce evidence that they have a GCSE or equivalent in English and maths, they must take and pass a skills test set by a council-approved assessor.

The measures were unanimously approved by members of the council’s licensing and safety panel.

Councillor David Jones, chair of the panel, said: “Drivers in Bury currently have to pass a ‘knowledge test’, such as the best way to get from one address to another. But in the last three years, we have seen an increase in the number of complaints against licensed drivers in relation to their alleged conduct or poor driving.

"A number of individuals who have appeared before the committee have claimed they could not understand questions posed to them, or cannot communicate effectively in English to the extent that they have brought people with them to interpret on their behalf.

"Licensed drivers with poor communication skills are at a disadvantage when dealing with customers, particularly those under the influence of alcohol."

Cllr Jones added: “Many other councils already insist on drivers having satisfactory driving and communication skills. We hope that by introducing the new requirements standards are improved and the customer experience will improve for members of the public while travelling in Hackney carriages and private hire vehicles licensed in Bury.”

The new rules start on 1 July and will apply to all new applicants, regardless of their background, nationality or whether they already have a licence from the EU or another country.

The scheme will be reviewed in six months’ time and may be extended to cover existing drivers.

ENDS

Press release issued: 24 June 2016.