To agree the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 13 July 2016, as a correct record

Resolved: That the Minutes of the meeting of the Licensing Committee held on 13 July 2016, be approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

Any interests not already registered

No additional declarations of interest were made.

There were none.

The Chairman presented the report which sought approval to implement a computer based knowledge test and the requirement for all prospective applicants for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire driver licences to be subject to the knowledge test prior to application.

The implementation of an electronic knowledge test for both hackney carriage and private hire driver licence holders would tighten up the requirements for such licence holders and ensure they had knowledge of not just routes, but other aspects of policy, law and the highway code. It would also introduce consistency across the Partnership authorities. The Chairman highlighted that the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency was withdrawing the provision of Taxi Assessments with effect from 31 December 2016.

In response to a question, the Licensing Partnership Manager confirmed that participants would be required to show photographic identification before taking the test. It was likely measures would be taken to prevent cheating, such as removing participants’ mobile phones.

Public Sector Equality Duty

Members noted that consideration had been given to impacts under the Public Sector Equality Duty.

Resolved:  That Council be recommended to approve the implementation of the electronic knowledge test and the requirement for all prospective Hackney Carriage and Private Hire driver applicants to be subject to the test prior to application.