Sat navs spell end for taxi driver tests
Private hire taxi drivers are being given licences without having to demonstrate they know their way around, because they can use a sat nav.
Wolverhampton council has been accused of quietly dropping the Knowledge-style practical exam for private hire licences, although it remains in force for black cabs. All drivers still have to be trained and learn the key locations. And they also have training to recognise potential child sexual exploitation, which councils have brought in after the Rotherham sex abuse scandals.
Previously all drivers had to sit a practical assessment lasting around two hours to demonstrate their local knowledge.
It included 50 locations and key destinations such as West Park, New Cross Hospital and Bentley Bridge. But the test no longer applies to private hire drivers, whose cabs are booked in advance with an agreed fare.
Drivers have also been tested on their English since 2012.
Colin Parr, licensing manager for Wolverhampton council, said: "We scrutinise prospective drivers' previous motoring convictions and depending on their nature they may have a bearing on their ability to secure a licence.
"The robust Knowledge-style practical examination continues to be undertaken by new Hackney Carriage drivers. This is no longer a requirement of new Private Hire driver, though an understanding of the city's geography remains a component of the training.
"This is because Hackney Carriage drivers charge a metered fare, and therefore need to demonstrate to us that they have an intimate knowledge of Wolverhampton unaided by a sat nav.
"By the same token, private hire fares are agreed at the time of booking and it is standard industry practice now for private hire drivers to use sat navs."
A taxi driver, who asked not to be named, said: "They've rushed this through and got rid of the driving test element, which has been quietly dropped.
"Now as long as a private hire vehicle has a sat nav, that's enough for him to demonstrate he knows where he's going." Parminder Sekhon, chairman of the Wolverhampton Taxi Owners' Association, said: "A sat nav is a tool but it doesn't replace your knowledge. You couldn't rely on one in Wolverhampton city centre at the moment with all the changes."
