Loughborough Taxi Drivers Face Demanding Licencing Requirements.
In the UK, Loughborough Taxi drivers are required to take a test to gain their license and be allowed to convey passengers around town and the surrounding area. They must pass a knowledge and a driving exam but also must pass other tests and gain certain qualifications.
This article will answer some questions about the driver testing process for those who are interested in becoming Loughborough taxi drivers or are starting to look into what is involved.
Why A Taxi Driver Should Be Tested Before Operating
Taxi drivers are an important part of the Loughborough Charnwood and area transportation system, especially in the town where they are an essential public transit option. They work long hours and often have to deal with difficult passengers. At the same time, they must operate professionally and know about the technology involved in operating a cab for the fare-paying public.
Their standard of driving, road awareness, and safety must satisfy a higher standard than a ‘normal’ pubic driving test. In addition, because the public is being transported, Loughborough Charnwood taxi drivers must meet required standards for trustworthiness, medical health, and ability to serve and take care of disadvantaged, junior, or vulnerable passengers in their care for the journey.
Who Carries Out The Required Tests?
Charnwood Borough Council is responsible for licensing and regulation of local drivers and companies. They are responsible for issuing the combined driving license needed by Taxi drivers. They, therefore, determine what tests and checks are required and application is made to the council to operate and be licensed as a taxi operator or cab driver.
The tests themselves are carried out by several different providers depending on the test itself. Some are offered or can be arranged through the council while others are provided by specialist companies.
What Tests And Checks Are Required To Be A Loughborough Taxi Driver?
The series of tests can be challenging and should not be undertaken lightly. They are very comprehensive in assessing the qualities and fitness of prospective drivers. So what currently (2021) are the required tests or checks?
Combined Driving Licence
This license is required by all individual drivers and is applied for through Charnwood Borough Council. The license requires several tests and qualifications to have been gained before it can be granted.
Medical Check
A taxi driver’s medical assessment will be required when applying for a taxi license and normally before the enhanced DBS check (see below) is carried out. The check will focus on 3 particular areas i) Eyesight ii) Blood Pressure and iii) general medical history (this is a questionnaire the applicant must fill out). These medical checks are normally provided by a specialist provider such as this.
Enhanced DBS Check
The enhanced DBS check is a more thorough investigation of an applicant's criminal history. It includes the standard information found in any other background check, but also allows employers to see whether someone has been listed on either the Children's Barred List or Adult First list for their involvement with vulnerable groups such as children and disabled adults. Indeed, A candidate's background can be scoured for any red flags, such as being barred from working with vulnerable groups. Employers can request this level of security only if the person in question is set to work closely with children or adults.
An enhanced DBS check is normally completed between 24 hours and 5 days approximately and can be arranged through Charnwood Borough Council services.
Practical Driving Test Evidence
Evidence of having passed a standard driving test and owning a full license is required for the licensing application. A Licence history check by the DVLA is also required.
Written Knowledge Test
Actually, that should really be tested as 3 are required. All 3 must be passed and the 3 areas covered (1 per paper) are Law, Customer Care and Geographical KNowledge. The latter is especially testing requiring, as it does, knowledge of streets, routes, locations, buildings and services in and around Loughborough. There are also questions about the areas around Loughborough town. Each paper may take up to 90 minutes to complete.
Safeguarding Qualification
This is a required qualification but must be arranged through an external provider such as this. A safeguarding qualification certifies that a candidate has, on successful completion, learned the knowledge required to deal with vulnerable passengers (in the case of a cab driver candidate).
Safeguarding Training for taxi drivers has been designed to outline the safeguarding responsibilities of taxi drivers specifically. The course explains types of abuse and exploitation, how to report concerns, and good safeguarding practices. Through this training course, participants will learn about types of abuse or exploitation, how to report concerns safely, and good safeguarding practices.
How Long Does A Loughborough Taxi Licence Last Before Renewal?
The taxi company operator's license must be renewed in the fifth year. If there have been no serious breaches during the lifetime of the previous license then it is likely a new one will be approved without any difficulty. However, if there have been any violations or accidents that were severe then there will be consequences and difficulties surrounding the renewal.
This is one license to keep especially clean!.
Should the applicant’s circumstances change then, because the license is not transferable, a new license application will need to be made.
Final Summary
So, if someone is considering a career as a Loughborough cab driver and want to know what tests or checks are required then they now know the list is quite extensive. It includes; the Combined Driving Licence, Medical Checks, Local Knowledge, Law, Safeguarding, and, today, Covid-19 measures.
We hope the above has been useful but always remember to check directly with Charnwood Borough Council requiring the latest requirements, especially around Covid-19 measures and driver requirements.
If you would like to book a cab in Loughborough then why not get in touch.
