Report of the Principal Licensing Officer

The subject of the decision:

This report sought consideration of a reinstatement of a previous requirement for hackney carriage and private hire drivers to undergo a practical driving test prior to obtaining a licence.

Alternative options considered:

The Committee considered rejecting the proposal but concluded that it was appropriate to consult on practical driving assessments and no amendments were deemed necessary.

The reason for the decision:

The Committee noted that, prior to 1 January 2017, all applicants for hackney carriage and private hire driver licences were required to undergo a practical driving assessment to demonstrate competence.

The Committee was satisfied that the proposals would assist the Council in assessing the suitability of an applicant for a hackney carriage and private hire driver licence.

THE DECISION:

That a full consultation be authorised to be carried out in relation to practical driving assessments on the understanding that the matter will be referred back to the Committee for consideration of any responses.