Member Article

Uber says driver’s livelihoods are at risk as TfL forges ahead with mandatory English tests

Transport for London (TfL) is to forge ahead with plans to introduce compulsory English tests for private hire drivers, despite Uber’s stern protestations.

From 1 April 2017 all those wishing to become private hire drivers or who wish to renew their licenses will have to complete a mandatory two-hour written English test to prove their proficiency, which includes those who have English as their first language.

It comes after Uber had objected the original proposals which offered an exemption to English-speaking drivers, with claims that they were discriminatory against migrant and non-native speakers.

TfL have said there will be exemptions in place for drivers who can provide ‘satisfactory evidence’; however, those who unable to provide documentary evidence will have to face up to a potential £200 outlay to complete the exam.

According to the Guardian, an Uber spokesperson has branded the new plans ‘disappointing’ and accused TfL of putting driver’s livelihoods at risk.

The spokesperson said: “It’s disappointing that, to try and dig themselves out of a legal hole, TfL is now insisting every private hire driver in London must have essay writing skills.”

“We’ve always supported spoken English skills, but passing a written English exam has nothing to do with communicating with passengers or getting them safely from A to B.

“Thousands of drivers who’ve spent years providing a great service to Londoners will now have to fork out £200 and pass a writing exam, try to find an old GCSE certificate or lose their licence and their livelihood.

“Transport for London should think again and scrap these unnecessary new rules.”

Helen Chapman, TfL’s general manager for taxi and private hire, argued that communicating in English to an appropriate level was ‘crucial’ to ensure passenger safety.

She said: “It is essential for public safety that all licensed drivers can communicate in English at an appropriate level.

“Drivers must be able to communicate with passengers to discuss a route, or fare, as well as reading and understanding important regulatory, safety and travel information.

“We are clear that this is crucial to a driver’s role in transporting the public.”

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