Local 'knowledge test' for taxi drivers set to be scrapped in Greater Manchester borough

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

A decision on whether to remove the ‘knowledge’ test for taxi drivers in Bury is set to be made this week. To gain a taxi licence, drivers currently have to take a geographical test correctly identifying locations and the most direct routes in the borough.

However, a proposed change in policy by Bury Council will see the tests thrown out due to ‘changes to modern operational practices and increased provision use and availability of GPS equipment’.

The current knowledge test for cabbies in Bury sees them asked to pinpoint three locations using a map, face 15 questions on road names of where premises are located and recount two journeys by the shortest route between two specific locations from memory. READ MORE Bus crashes into building in Piccadilly Gardens with major emergency service response - live updates READ MORE 'Properly, properly horrendous': Witnesses' shock after bus ploughs into bubble tea shop in Piccadilly Gardens The new knowledge test would not have any geographical element but would be revised to cover other topics in greater depth which are relevant to public safety such as licence conditions, safeguarding and road signs.

A consultation exercise with driver, taxi firms and the public was undertaken on the matter along with other changes to taxi policy in Bury.