Taxi testing in Hartlepool

Publisher:	Driving Standards Agency
Published date:	7 April 2011
Type:	Press release
Mode/topic:	Roads, Road safety

Examiners at Hartlepool driving test centre have started testing would–be taxi drivers who want to start driving cabs in the area covered by Hartlepool Borough Council.

Over 160 councils throughout Britain have already agreed to take taxi testing on board and Hartlepool joined them on 1 April.

Central Operation Change Manager Phil Coop said: “We are delighted that Hartlepool has decided to introduce this assessment as driving a taxi carries a great deal of responsibility.”

Specially trained driving examiners assess the ability of applicants to drive safely and professionally in a ‘real’ environment. The test includes manoeuvres designed specifically with the operational taxi driver in mind and is set at a higher standard than the practical test for learner drivers.

The assessment ensures the competence of the applicant to drive passengers in safety and comfort. Those who are successful receive a certificate of competence. Taxi drivers are the only people to carry passengers for money who do not have to take statutory vocational tests.