Issue - meetings

The Committee considered the report of the Head of Democratic Services on issues raised by the Private Hire Association relating to the Knowledge test and DSA test.  It was reported that the Private Hire Association were seeking a lower pass mark for Private Hire drivers in comparison to Hackney Carriage drivers on the Knowledge test.  They were also asking that Kent County Council be added to the list of Driver Skills testers with the DSA.  At the meeting the Private Hire Association indicated that although they were now seeking no reduction in the pass mark for Private Hire drivers or the addition of the Kent County Council to the Driver Skills testers, but were now seeking a six month trial where there would be no Knowledge testing and no Driver Skills tests for Private Hire drivers.

It was reported that it could be a requirement under the procurement rules that testing for drivers skills should be opened up to other organisations which could be able to provide such a service and this would be investigated. Mr. R. Parker and Mrs. M. Bates, as trade representatives, gave their views to the Committee.

RESOLVED: 

1.  That the current system for knowledge testing including a pass mark of 80% be retained for Private Hire drivers.

2.  That the Kent County Council be added to those organisations that can test for drivers skills and that the Officers identify whether there would be any other organisations which could undertake such testing and that those organisations be considered for adding to a list of those whose testing would be considered acceptable.