Agenda item

Report of the Head of Community and Customer Services.

The Committee received a report of the Head of Community and Customer Services which asked Members to consider amendments to the style, delivery and cost of the test for prospective drivers.

The Chair informed the Committee that having considered the recommendations it was suggested that the date in the first recommendation, 1 April 2016, should be amended to ‘as soon as practicable’.

In response to a comment from Councillor Haley, the Environmental Health and Licensing Section Head advised that the aim was to introduce the new test by December 2015.

The Licensing Manager confirmed that drivers were not able to carry passengers until they had passed the test.  When officers provided the training they wanted to ensure a local relationship could be built between the drivers and Licensing Team.  It also enabled officers to assess the drivers, through the interaction, and consider if they were ‘fit and proper’.  A formal qualification was available, a BTEC, and some drivers held this; however it did not help build the local relationship.

Following a question from Councillor Taylor, the Licensing Manager explained that officers had a bank of questions and the same questions were not used on consecutive tests.  The questions were reviewed on a regular basis. 

Councillor Bolton sought reassurance that the new test would not enable drivers to get their licence quicker and that it was robust and not shortcutting any steps.  He felt that people had a personal responsibility to themselves when they undertook the test.

The Licensing Manager assured the Committee that the new test would not dilute the existing standards.  The current arrangement enabled drivers to take the test without undergoing any training.  The new test would be part of a full day’s training.

The Licensing Manager confirmed that drivers had to hold a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate.  With regard to drivers having had prison sentences, the Council had a policy which set out how different types of offences and sentences would be considered.  It would depend on the offence.  An internal review was held to assess the suitability of a driver.

In response to a question from Councillor S Williams about checks and balances, the Licensing Manager responded that the Council did not have the resources to check on each new driver once they had qualified.  If a driver were the subject of a number of complaints, officers would review the case through the enforcement process.  If a driver was deemed unsuitable their licence would be revoked.  He confirmed that a test would take place on the same day as the training.  The Licensing Enforcement Officer carried out regular operations with the Police, checking vehicles and drivers.  He assured Members that all complaints were investigated.

It was confirmed that it was not legal to single out individual drivers for checking.  The Chair said that Members should encourage people to take details and then report problems to officers.

Councillor Silver referred to the costs for the training and test.  He asked for details of the percentage of drivers who failed the current test and whether it was on the routes or legislation.

The Licensing Manager advised that the majority failed on the routes.  Within the last cohort only three drivers passed the test.

Councillor Silver replied that the Highway Code and the rules and regulations were more important as most people used a satellite navigation system.  He asked whether the new test would save time and money for staff.

The Licensing Manager explained that most tests organised by other councils included a topographical aspect.  Private hire drivers were able to work out the route in advance of picking up the passenger whereas there was an expectation hackney carriage drivers would know a route from the minute they picked up their next passenger.

The Environmental Health and Licensing Section Head added that due to the higher cost for the new test it was hoped that more drivers would be more prepared.  Drivers should take no more time to complete the training and test.  The new arrangements would be reviewed after a period of time.

Councillor Hofman asked whether there were too few taxis in Watford and if the number would be reviewed.

The Licensing Manager explained that there was a cap on the number of hackney vehicle licences and not on drivers.  Vehicles could be rented out to other drivers to use but there was no evidence of this happening.  Private Hire Operators had reported they were experiencing difficulties as it was taking a long time for new drivers to get through the Council’s processes.  The new process should ease any blockage.

RESOLVED –

1.      that from as soon as practicable applicants for a hackney carriage driver’s or private hire vehicle driver’s licence

          (1)     attend a full day course which includes training in the relevant legislation and other key information required to be a competent and safe driver.

          (2)     that the course comprise half a day of training, half a day of practical disability awareness training, and a formal examination to test knowledge.

2.      that candidates for the Knowledge Test pay a fee of £97 for a test, or £67 for a re-test.  No refunds will be available unless cancelled at least 3 working days in advance, although attendance will be transferable to the next available course if the Council is notified within 24 hours of the course and with good reason.

3.      that officers are authorised to procure a provider for the disability awareness element of the proposed Knowledge Test.

4.      that officers have delegated authority to make minor modifications to the scheme in consultation with the Chair of the Licensing Committee.