Why a written test? Seems unnecessary.
Do cab drivers have to do the same?
I disagree with the rule.
As long as they aren't here illegally, they can do the job, and get me where I need to go safely - I don't have a problem.
They don't need to be proficient in written English.
I disagree, we have to do a much better job at intigrating new immigrants into society else run the risk of more support for the far right.
Speaking and writing in English should be top of the list for new immigrants.
I agree. They need to be able to read and speak English, and know what to do in an emergency - I can't see that those are negotiable, as they need to follow road signs, speak to customers and take action if they have an accident (or the passenger becomes ill). However, apart from the basics, they surely don't need to be proficient in written English.I disagree with the rule.
As long as they aren't here illegally, they can do the job, and get me where I need to go safely - I don't have a problem.
They don't need to be proficient in written English.
My mum would fail most written English tests, even though she can speak English very well, albeit a slight accent, she's fully immersed into British society also and she's been here for over 25 years.
She just didn't go to school past 16, and didn't have to learn English until she was in her mid 30's.
Let's stop the arrogant stigma that language = assimilation, because it doesn't.
Written proficiency in English isn't sufficient to drive a car, nor does it indicate assimilation into society.
Written proficiency in English isn't sufficient to drive a car, nor does it indicate assimilation into society.
I agree. They need to be able to read and speak English, and know what to do in an emergency - I can't see that those are negotiable, as they need to follow road signs, speak to customers and take action if they have an accident (or the passenger becomes ill). However, apart from the basics, they surely don't need to be proficient in written English.
No, but it certainly helps, no question.
I know from first hand experience of 10 years living in Sweden, learning the language is a huge part of assimilation into society. You'd be a fool to deny that.
But this isn't about learning the language. This is about being able to pass a written test in the language, in order to drive a car.
James O'Brien suggested that basic language proficiency is one way of improving safety, as it confirms an individual's ability to understand signage/signals on the road.
No it's not, they can drive a car all they like with absolutely zero knowledge of English. This is about working in the customer service industry in an English speaking nation.
Oral tests would be good also, but the costs would be astronomical @vi1lain
The introduction of a written English language test for private hire drivers has been delayed after Uber won the right to appeal against the plans.
Transport for London (TfL) had wanted to revoke licences if drivers had not passed the test by 30 September.
My mum would fail most written English tests, even though she can speak English very well, albeit a slight accent, she's fully immersed into British society also and she's been here for over 25 years.
She just didn't go to school past 16, and didn't have to learn English until she was in her mid 30's.
Let's stop the arrogant stigma that language = assimilation, because it doesn't.
Written proficiency in English isn't sufficient to drive a car, nor does it indicate assimilation into society.
I agree. They need to be able to read and speak English, and know what to do in an emergency - I can't see that those are negotiable, as they need to follow road signs, speak to customers and take action if they have an accident (or the passenger becomes ill). However, apart from the basics, they surely don't need to be proficient in written English.
Am I missing something?
Agree with both these points.
My dad has lived in the UK for 30 years, knows most of the big cities like the back of his hand, drives well and speaks very good English.
However, he'd almost certainly fail a written test.
How does that make him unfit to become a taxi driver?
Yes you are, you stated they needed to complete a written English test in order to drive a car, which is absolutely untrue.
They need to complete the test in order to work in the customer service industry.
How would be cost effectively test English language proficiency @vi1lain ?
Agreed. I know immigrants who can't read English but are fine at speaking it and are well assimilatedMy mum would fail most written English tests, even though she can speak English very well, albeit a slight accent, she's fully immersed into British society also and she's been here for over 25 years.
She just didn't go to school past 16, and didn't have to learn English until she was in her mid 30's.
Let's stop the arrogant stigma that language = assimilation, because it doesn't.
Written proficiency in English isn't sufficient to drive a car, nor does it indicate assimilation into society.
No I stated that they shouldn't need to complete a written English test in order to drive a car
Hope uber win their appeal, a English written test to drive a taxi is stupid
Or calling an ambulance/emergency services in the event of an accident.
Your thoughts on The Knowledge then??
Given that a driving licence gained in one country is a recognised qualification irrespective of borders, there s no further corroboration regarding local rules or local quirks on the part of he employer. And if you are going to have care of one or more members of the public, it doesn't strike me as a serious imposition. It's not like they're going to be sent away with a work of Sgakespeare with orders to write a follow-on essay.
No it's not, they can drive a car all they like with absolutely zero knowledge of English. This is about working in the customer service industry in an English speaking nation.
It talks specifically about "Written".
It's a written test, which understandably is the cheapest and simplist way of testing language proficiency in large numbers.
They don't ffs.
You're making it seem as though not being able to pass a written test is a indicator of poor integration into society or inability to do the job you were hired for, and presumably trained for.
Agree with the requirement - if you're going to live and work here dealing with locals you should speak the language.
Disagree with the reasoning for it - black cab licence holders trying to stifle competition
It's a written test, which understandably is the cheapest and simplist way of testing language proficiency in large numbers.
No I'm not, at all.
Though I would say, being able to write a paragraph about your life (see poster above) in the language of the country you live in is something that anyone should want to be able to do and can quite easily learn how to do. Within 6 months in Sweden I could manage that.
