Taxi testing takes off in Hastings

Would-be taxi drivers wanting to work in the area covered by Hastings Borough Council now have to be assessed by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) before being given a licence to drive a cab. Over 120 councils throughout Britain have already agreed to take taxi testing on board.

Chief Operating Officer Brian Gilhooley said: "We are delighted that Hastings Borough Council has decided to introduce this assessment as driving a taxi carries a great deal of responsibility."

Specially trained driving examiners assess the ability of applicants to drive safely and professionally in a ‘real' environment. The test includes manoeuvres designed specifically with the operational taxi driver in mind and is set at a higher standard than the practical test for learner drivers.

The assessment ensures the competence of the applicant to drive and carry passengers in safety and comfort. Those who are successful receive a certificate of competence. The taxi tests are being carried out at Hastings, Eastbourne and Tunbridge Wells driving test centres and began at the beginning of April.

Taxi drivers are the only people to carry passengers for money who do not have to take statutory vocational tests.

Bob Brown, Licensing Services Manager for Hastings, said: "The Council is fully committed to improving road safety at all levels, and the opportunity to participate in the DSA Taxi and Private Hire Car Driver Assessment Scheme is seen as an excellent way to ensure that drivers licensed by this Council are of a consistently high standard. The Council feels that improving the safety of all persons using vehicles it licenses is of paramount importance."