The taxi and private hire vehicle industry is essential to an integrated transport system but unlike drivers in other forms of passenger transport, taxi and private hire drivers have not had easy access to skills development or the opportunity to obtain recognition for the job that they do. Now however, GoSkills (the Sector Skills Council for Passenger Transport) has, with the support of the taxi industry, developed an NVQ Level 2 qualification for taxi and private hire drivers.
On 2nd September 2008 the Leeds Licensing and Regulatory Panel made a decision that requires all taxi and private hire drivers, new applicants and existing licence holders to achieve a VRQ/NVQ level of attainment appropriate to the trade.
New applications for licences will be required to attain the qualifications within 12 months of the licence being granted. Existing licence holders will be given until the end of December 2011 to attain the qualifications.
The course is delivered in a flexible way to take into account that taxi and private hire drivers do not earn if they are not driving. Material is provided for self learning and sessions are held at suitable locations, two hours per week for approximately 12 weeks, normally during quiet times to suit the drivers. It is recommended that drivers sign up to complete the training sooner rather than later to qualify for the full funding of both qualifications.
Taxi and Private Hire driver training programme
About the training programme
This programme is specifically designed for the taxi and private hire trade and provides drivers with the opportunity to acquire two nationally recognised qualifications relative to their job. Drivers may already have a lot of experience in providing a taxi and/ or private hire service and this will be taken into account. However, drivers will have the opportunity to look at how they approach their job and what improvements can or need to made. The programme will also cover things that are important to know and keep up to date with legislation and policies and procedures which can change from time to time
The qualifications
VRQ Level 2 Certificate in Road Passenger Transport
The aim of this qualification is to develop and enhance the knowledge of existing and prospective taxi and private hire drivers. Customer service, a professional image and dealing with special needs, such as disability, are considered important, in addition to understanding health and safety requirements and taxi and private hire regulations.
To achieve the qualification drivers will need to attend off the job training sessions. However, these should be delivered locally and at a time to suit business operations.
Drivers will also be required to demonstrate that they have the necessary knowledge and understanding by answering a series of multi-choice questions.
NVQ Level 2 in Road Passenger Vehicle Driving (Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicles)
This qualification has been developed to improve customer service and driving standards for taxi and private hire drivers and reflects current legislation and codes of practice. It is a work based qualification and drivers will be observed and assessed on their performance of everyday tasks, not just their knowledge and understanding of the taxi / private hire driver job role
To achieve a full certificate in Road Passenger Vehicle Driving, drivers are required to achieve the 7 units in the Hackney Carriage / PHV route which cover the following
- Ensure the health and safety in a work environment
- Drive taxi or private hire vehicles safely and efficiently
- Provide professional customer service
- Deal effectively with difficult passengers
- Deal with emergencies and incidents during a journey transporting passengers
- Provide a transport service for passengers who require assistance
- Transport children and young persons
Drivers must also complete another 2 units from a selection which includes for example
- Implement defensive driving in the Road Passenger Transport Industry Industries
- Routine cleaning of passenger transport vehicles
- Plan routes in the Road Passenger Transport Industry
Additional development opportunities
During the programme drivers will have the opportunity to develop their communication and numerical skills and gain additional qualifications. These are skills which will provide benefit not only in their job but in life in general and will also help in building self confidence. If drivers need to develop or improve their English language skills, they will be given advice and guidance on how to do this.
Support and guidance
The training providers who deliver the programme will provide support and guidance to ensure that drivers get the most out of the training and achieve the qualifications.
Operators and Taxi Associations should use the contact number below to contact the Business Link Yorkshire service:
Business Link Yorkshire 08456 048 048
Individual drivers should contact their Operator or Taxi Association for advice on which of the training providers they are working with.