TAXI drivers would see changes to gaining a licence under new plans being debated by Ribble Valley Borough Council.

The new rules would mean drivers of private and hackney cabs would no longer have to pass a Steering To Success course before a licence is granted.

Instead all drivers would have to pass the DVSA taxi-driving test before being given a licence and must pass a Level 2 NVQ in road passenger vehicle driving within 12 months of the licence being granted.

Marshall Scott, chief executive at the council, said the new requirements would improve a significant amount of areas.

He said: “It would provide a practical driving and wheelchair assessment prior to issue of a licence and they would require a higher level of maths and English. It includes more detailed knowledge of disability issues.

“It will contain assessment on safety requirements and maintenance of the vehicle and assessment on knowledge of the legislation applicable to private-hire and hackney-carriage drivers, operators and vehicles.”

In a letter submitted to the council about changes to taxi licences following a consultation, one respondent said there had been critical responses to the current course.

He said: “Any new applicant currently wishing to apply for a private-hire badge cannot commence a Steering To Success course until early September.

“The course will complete in December meaning that they will have to wait months to commence employment.”

Jason Walker, manager at Tiger Taxis, said that the new changes might not solve all the problems. He said: “It takes two to three months to book the taxi test because the waiting list is so big. They should bring back the temporary licences which allowed drivers to work while getting their proper licences.

“They still have the regular driving licences. They are allowed to drive on the road. They should be able to earn money sooner than they are now. I agree with having some form of test. Language and area knowledge are important to the job but having to wait so long can put people off.”

The DVSA test would cost approximately £75 and the NVQ test £150, both having to be paid for by the driver. The council’s decision will be made tomorrow.