New English language tests for Mid Sussex taxi drivers proposed
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
The change to the conditions for taxi and private hire drivers aim to ‘ensure they are able to communicate effectively with their customers in spoken English’.
If approved by the Scrutiny Committee for Leisure and Community, a consultation would be held on proposals until April, and they would then come back to Mid Sussex District Council’s Full Council in the summer before being implemented.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdA spoken English test would cost £30 and involve a number of tasks including reading sentences from a printed sheet, repeating sentences, answering both simple and open questions, and reconstructing sentences from multiple segments read to the candidate.
The requirement for any test of this type would need to be applied equally to all candidates, apart from those who already have passed a relevant English language qualification at a suitable level.
An officers’ report due to be discussed by councillors on Wednesday reads: “Adequate communication skills and language proficiency are considered essential for the work of a taxi or private hire driver, due to the need to correctly understand and follow directional instructions from a passenger, and to enable the driver to give and follow instructions in an emergency situation, which may be stressful.”
No other West Sussex authorities currently require drivers to undergo an English test, but it is being introduced by licensing authorities in other parts of the country.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe proposals follow concerns from several Mid Sussex district councillors about some licensed drivers’ ability to communicate in English.
The report says that these concerns were echoed in some consultation responses when MSDC was looking to revise its Hackney Carriage and Private Vehicle Hire Licensing Policy last year.
The test would only apply to new applications for a driver’s licence, but if an existing driver is brought before the Licensing Sub-Committee, members may require them to take the test if they feel the driver’s spoken English is inadequate.
What do you think? Comment below or email the newsdesk.
Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHere are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.
1) Make our website your homepage at www.midsussextimes.co.uk
2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/midsussextimes
3) Follow us on Twitter @midsussex_times
4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.
And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!
The Mid Sussex Times - always the first with your local news.
Be part of it.