Highland Private Hire Drivers May Need to Pass Knowledge Test

Private hire car drivers in the Highlands may soon be required to pass the same local knowledge test as taxi drivers. Highland councillors are considering the measure following concerns that some private hire drivers struggle with basic navigation. A similar review is taking place in Glasgow, where authorities are assessing whether to review taxi and private hire car limits for late-night transport.

Concerns Over Drivers’ Local Knowledge

During a recent council discussion, it was highlighted that some private hire drivers are unable to navigate simple routes, such as trips to Raigmore Hospital or Inverness Airport. Unlike taxis, private hire vehicles must be pre-booked and cannot be hailed on the street or pick up passengers from taxi ranks.

Gavin Johnston, owner of Inverness Taxis, emphasized the importance of geographical knowledge for private hire drivers:

"As we are the biggest operator in the Highlands, moving over a million people a year, we probably get the most complaints in the Highlands when it comes to this."

Johnston also noted that many new drivers relocating to the Highlands may not be familiar with key locations.

"Nobody has an issue with that, people can work where they want. But we would like to see the private hire drivers coming to the area to be a bit more equipped to do the job."

Knowledge Test Requirements Vary Across Scotland

In Scotland, local councils decide whether private hire drivers must take a knowledge test. Several councils, including Aberdeen, Perth and Kinross, and Angus, already require private hire drivers to pass such a test. However, Highland Council, along with Dundee and West Lothian, does not currently enforce this rule.

Highland councillors have now agreed to hold a public consultation on the matter. The consultation will gather opinions from residents and stakeholders before the council votes on whether to introduce a local knowledge test for private hire drivers in the region.