Glasgow Taxi Drivers to Be Tested After Several Complaints

Glasgow taxi drivers will be tested on their English communication and knowledge of the city as a new measure to tackle a shocking rise in passenger complaints.

The members from the Glasgow City Council’s licensing committee are expected to introduce a new policy in which every taxi and private hire driver will have to complete an SQA qualification before they can start taking passengers.

According to the stats, the complaints against taxi and private hire vehicles have increased to more than 100% in the last five years. The number of incidents between 2014 and 2018 rose from 430 to 1038.

The upcoming testing move from Glasgow City Council will make Glasgow the second local authority in Scotland after Dundee to introduce the testing system for drivers. Earlier this year, Konstantinos Theodoropoulos was denied a cab licence because he couldn’t identify the City Chambers despite being inside the building opposite.

An estimated report submitted to the council reveals that the course would cost between £300-£400 per driver, but it raises the standard of the drivers and the level of customer support.

Alex Wilson, chairman of the licensing board, said: “The course will be mandatory for every new driver to complete. Existing drivers will also have to complete it before they renew their licence. Applicants will have to know about all the famous places in the city.”