Taxi drivers will be made to take English tests

Jun 12 2009 By Adam Courtney

TAXI drivers have labelled Spelthorne Council "misguided" and "discriminatory" over plans to make drivers take maths and English tests – even if they have GCSEs in the subjects.

Spelthorne Council's licensing committee will meet on Wednesday (June 17) and it is expected to will push through the measure, which it says will improve passenger safety.

But, although firms agree it is paramount for drivers to speak the language well, they cannot understand why those born and bred in the country and with examination certificates in the subject should have to take additional tests.

The council say it would be "discriminatory" if it exempted some from the test, but one boss, Tim Want of Station Cars, Shepperton, says it is the firms who would be discriminated against.

He said: "I find it extremely strange and if I was applying for a licence I would feel quite offended by it. I am born and bred in the country and to be asked to pay for and take an English test would be frankly ridiculous.

"I understand why it has to be done because many people who apply for jobs with me cannot speak the language and there is an increasing trend for drivers with limited English to rely on unreliable satellite navigation systems.

"But, surely it is obvious from the moment you meet someone whether their command of the language is good enough and it is those people who should be tested. Otherwise you are almost discriminating against the indigenous population. I think this is misguided and yet another money-making scheme."

Kevin Swabey, boss of Ronia Minicabs in Staines, says the changes could be fraught with problems and has accused the council of "acting after the horse has bolted.".

He said: "There are plenty of drivers out there who cannot speak the language properly, and if this applies only to new applicants then the existing ones will be able to carry on.

"And what if someone applies with learning difficulties and has problems with the test? They will be perfectly capable of driving someone from A to B and having a decent conversation with them, but might not be able to get a licence. I think there are going to be difficulties implementing this."

In his report to go before the committee today, David Watts, a licensing officer, says: "By implementing the proposals, the safety of passengers in Spelthorne would be improved."

It is proposed the scheme commences on July 17.