New taxi drivers could have to do ‘knowledge’ test

NEW taxi drivers in Merthyr Tydfil could soon have to do a “knowledge” type test to get a licence.

Under new plans to be considered by the council, those applying for a licence to drive a Hackney Carriage or private hire taxi in Merthyr Tydfil would have to pay £45 to do a test similar to that taken by London taxi drivers.

As well as testing their knowledge of the area, prospective drivers would also be tested on their numeracy skills, literacy skills, issues around safeguarding, taxi driving laws and through an oral skills test.

Current licence holders will still be able to operate under current rules but they could be required to take the test under a licence review.

Both Hackney Carriage and private hire taxi licenses are valid for one year in Merthyr Tydfil.

An application to renew cannot be made more than 28 days before a licence is due to expire and the MOT must be dated within 28 days of the expiry of the existing licence.

The new test will be carried out by Tydfil Training on behalf of the authority who will also deal with payments from applicants

But the council warns there is a potential for loss of income from applicants who are not based in Merthyr Tydfil who apply for Merthyr Tydfil licences but work in other local authorities.

The council has looked at how other authorities have rolled out their knowledge tests when considering how to implement its own.

The policy change resulted from a wide ranging review the council undertook into its safeguarding procedures following the Casey report into child sexual exploitation in Rotherham and in October 2015 a new taxi licence application policy was approved.

Most of those who responded to the council’s consultation agreed with idea which includes a free retest.

Full council will consider the proposal at their next meeting on Wednesday.