Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Hiller.

There were no declarations of interest.

The minutes of the meeting held on 19 April 2012 were approved as a true and accurate record.

         The Committee received a report following a referral from the Licensing Department (Taxi).

         The report requested Members to determine whether to amend the requirement of fitness to include the requirement for new applicants to undertake a general competence course, which would include an updated English reading and writing test.

            As part of the application process the authority were required to establish that persons wishing to be licensed drivers were “fit and proper.” Whilst there was no approved test to establish if an applicant was “fit and proper,” factors such as the ability to communicate effectively in English, and to understand the relevant licensing legislation and conditions were taken into consideration.

            At the current time, all new applicants were required to undertake an English reading and writing test. This test had been criticised by the licensed trade for being “too easy.” It had been highlighted that some new drivers entering the trade struggled to communicate effectively with their customers and on occasion this had caused simple misunderstandings to escalate into more heated situations. In addition, Officers had also encountered communication problems despite applicants having passed the test.

         The current test was facilitated by the Licensing Team’s Regulatory Officers and on average; applicants took four attempts before successfully passing, which placed a considerable drain on the team’s resources. As it stood there was no additional fee to re-sit the test and it was a common occurrence for applicants to attend multiple re-tests, without any preparatory work between each test, or any improvement shown.

            If an applicant failed the current test, there was no resource or specialist help available to assist the applicant to reach the required standard to obtain a licence.

The new proposed “Taxi – General Competence Course” would involve applicants undertaking a day long training course, facilitated by the Regional College. The course would culminate in a new English reading and writing test. When conducting the current test, the Officer led the applicant through the process, step by step, often having to repeatedly explain what was required. The new test would require the applicant to read instructions and questions, thereby increasing the level of English required. The test would cover the topics taught during the day. The course would also include an initial assessment. If the applicant was identified as falling below the necessary standard, they could be diverted to various English and Numeracy courses, some of which would be free of charge, allowing the applicant to gain further transferable skills and reach the required level to undertake the course. The new applicant would be required to undertake and pass the course before they were eligible to submit an application to become a licensed driver.

It was anticipated that the cost of the course would be met by the new applicant and paid directly to the college. It would cost approximately £95.00 and those applicants who were unsuccessful in the first instance would be offered the opportunity of re-sitting the test at a cost of £25. There would also  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.