Taxi Courses

St Edmundsbury Borough Council licensing authority requires potential taxi drivers to take an assessment and preparation course as part of the licensing process. This one-day course is run by Suffolk County Council's Road Safety training team, who specialise in driving for work legislation and training.

The cost for the course is £95. This includes all training and resources on the day, booking fees and an additional training session and second driving assessment if required. Lunch is NOT provided.

Course Information

What happens on the day?
All courses are pre-booked. You will receive joining instructions and directions to the venue in good time. The day consists of a 2 ½ hour theory session followed immediately by a 2 ½ hour practical session. Courses are held at West Suffolk House, Bury St Edmunds.

The theory session includes job specific information regarding licensing, customer care and disability awareness as well as general driving information and legal responsibilities regarding, speed, mobile phone use, drink/drug driving and seat belt and child restraint laws.

The practical session requires you to go out in the trainers' vehicle (usually with another client) and receive coaching and advice as well as an assessment on your standard of driving.

There is no test at the end of the course. However, you will be continually assessed throughout the day and will need to reach an overall satisfactory standard for your Licence application to progress.

What do I need to do to reach a satisfactory standard?
You will need to demonstrate you are safe and competent to carry passengers. This will include demonstrating a systematic approach to hazards, thorough knowledge of the Highway Code and expert handling of the controls. The trainers are all highly qualified and are used to working with experienced drivers. They will be well aware of any errors made as a result of driving an unfamiliar vehicle as opposed to errors made as a result of unsafe driving practises. They are there to offer advice and assist in enhancing skills and have an in-depth understanding of the requirements of the course.

Drivers satisfactorily completing the Suffolk County Council assessment will receive:
• A free Highway Code
• A free personal alarm key fob
• A certificate and cab badge
• A 10% insurance discount with MCE insurers

How will I know if my assessment is satisfactory?
The Road Safety Officer / trainer will give you limited feedback on the day but will not tell you at that point if your assessment has been satisfactory. If you have provided an email address, you will be notified within 24 hours wherever possible. Candidates without an email address will receive a full written report and any recommendations, usually within 7 working days.

What happens if I don't reach a satisfactory standard?
If you did not reach a satisfactory standard you will be notified and offered feedback as to why this decision was reached along with an offer of further assistance and a second assessment at a later date (at no additional cost). If the second assessment proves unsatisfactory, Suffolk County Council will work with the Licensing Authority to determine the next stage. Each case will be treated on an individual basis.

For further information, course dates and bookings, please contact Jane Holland
By phone: 01284 758841
By e-mail: jane.holland@suffolk.gov.uk