Taxi drivers say exam may drive old members out

TAXI drivers have warned older members could be pushed out of the industry if they are forced to sit a tough new exam system announced by the Commission for Taxi Regulation.

Taxi representative groups also claim the introduction of the new Driver Skills Development Programme by the Taxi Regulator, Kathleen Doyle, will not deter applicants from entering an already overcrowded industry. They described the mandatory test as “a missed opportunity” because it failed to provide for a practical examination of new entrants.

Some taxi organisations, who have expressed concern about the high rate of foreign taxi drivers with poor local knowledge obtaining licences, said the new test would not address this issue.

However, Ms Doyle defended the new programme and said it was designed to assist drivers to develop the skills required in the operation of taxis and hackneys and increase public confidence in the industry.

“It’s not just a case of purchasing a taxi licence. But I don’t think it will put people off,” said Ms Doyle.

The regulator said her office did not have any legal powers to enforce such a moratorium.

Ms Doyle faces fresh calls today for her resignation from taxi organisations over what they say is her failure to address concerns that many drivers can no longer earn a decent living as there are an estimated 44,500 licence holders operating 28,000 licensed vehicles.

From May 1, all applicants for taxi licences as well as dispatch operators will be required to sit a two-part computer test covering knowledge of taxi regulations and good customer care as well as of routes in their chosen area.

The test, which costs €85.05, will be available from July 1 at 41 centresnationwide.

Ms Doyle said existing licence holders will only be required to sit the first part of the test from January 2012 onwards at no charge for their first test.