Taxi and Private Hire Training Providers – A Cautionary Note

GoSkills is aware that a small minority of training providers in England are making statements about the status of national qualifications for drivers in order to attract business. Some of the statements that are being made are inaccurate. There is, for example, no basis in the statement that NVQ qualifications are to become a legal requirement for licensing. A claim of free training for all drivers needs to be viewed with some caution as this normally applies only to those drivers without a first level 2 qualification-though there may be regional variations and of course there are large numbers of drivers in this category. Claims that assessment and certification can be undertaken in a very short timescale are ill advised. GoSkills promotes the model of assess-train-assess. This takes more than a few days to undertake for a complete group of drivers if it is to be done to the standard required by the qualification and if drivers are to have access to a training programme that delivers real value.

GoSkills strongly supports the use of the NVQ in Road Passenger Vehicle Driving which has been developed by industry for industry. There is evidence from industry and licensing authorities that this qualification is respected and that training programmes have been welcomed throughout the UK. However, those who commit to the qualification need to be sure that their training providers are providing the best training and giving accurate information.

If in any doubt, you are advised to contact your GoSkills Regional Manager or the Learning and Skills Council

GoSkills is also a source of advice on any other aspect of skills training and assessment including the assessment model for the NVQ in Road Passenger Vehicle Driving.

Note From Admin: Local Associations should clarify with their Local Authority.

Source:  GoSkills