The Service Director Culture, Housing and Regulation will provide an update of the proposals of the Driving Standards Agency to withdraw the undertaking of taxi tests and on the potential implications for both current policy and the existing application of that policy.
Minutes:
The Service Director Culture, Housing and Regulation provided the Board with details of the decision of the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) to no longer offer the DSA driving test to taxi drivers. This has caused some concern as the Council, along with the majority, if not all, local authorities use the DSA test as the compulsory part of their licensing processes. As a result the following actions have been taken:-
· Short term – New applicants and drivers who are mandated to undertake the test will be directed to the nearest DSA test centre in Sheffield.
· Longer term - The Council will need to set our own minimum driver standards and then invite expressions of interest from DSA accredited organisations that are able to deliver to that standard. Such standards would mirror the standards currently required by the DSA and the aim would be to have more than one provider, in the interest of fair and healthy competition.
· The Council will need to change its conviction policy to reflect the fact that the DSA test was no longer available and make reference to alternative driving test stations approved by the Council.
· The approved list of test centres will be made available and published in due course, and in time for the New Year.
RESOLVED:-
(i) that the latest position in respect of the Driving Standards Agency taxi drivers test and the action taken by officers as reported above, be noted;
(ii) that a further report containing details of our own minimum drivers standards and progress towards an approved list of test centres be submitted to the next Board meeting;
(iii) that a briefing note on this issue be circulated to all Members of the Council; and
(iv) that Uber taxis be discussed at a future Board meeting.