Lincolnshire taxi driver “humiliated” by English language test

A 70-year-old taxi driver who has driven a cab for 17 years said he would be “humiliated” to take a test to prove he can understand English.

South Kesteven District Council in Lincolnshire introduced a rule in May meaning drivers have to prove their language skills when renewing their licences.

Councils regularly have tests for new taxi drivers, but South Kesteven said to be safe and fair the requirement would apply to all applications.

Mr Drake, from Grantham, said it was unnecessary and – if required – the council should pay the additional £46.50 charge for someone sitting the test.

“I’m 70 years old and I’d be really humiliated to be made to take an English language test,” said Mr Drake.

“If I can provide a school certificate from 50-odd years ago or whatever, then I won’t have to do the test. But I never even collected them from school.

“I agree, any new driver should take these tests. But every single established driver has to go into the offices for their badge so the council know us.

“It’s creating extra work and stress.”

South Kesteven District Council said there had been an online consultation on the new rules before they were introduced.

A spokesperson said to make taxis and private hire cars “safe, efficient and effective”, it was important to ensure drivers had a good understanding of the English language.

The authority said it could accept “evidence of a qualification studied in English”. This does not incur any fee.

They added: “If the driver does not have evidence of a qualification studied in English then they are required to pass an English Language Skills test. The cost of this one-off test is £46.50.

“From 2021, this test was introduced only for new drivers. Subsequently, in May 2024, in the interests of equality and safety, the council agreed to apply it to all drivers.”

Mr Drake said he was making a written complaint to the council’s licensing department.