Hundreds of Dundee taxi drivers may be jeopardising their livelihoods for fear of failing the trade’s new tests.
A significant number of the city’s 1,400 or so drivers have yet to sign up for the SVQ course, which is set to become mandatory.
The Courier has been told that issues such as dyslexia and learning difficulties have left some drivers frightened they will not pass.
For others, the 30 to 40-hour commitment required and the pressure that comes with the knowledge that success is a requirement to stay on the road has led to delays in committing to a course.
Without achieving the qualification by the May 31 2017 deadline, they will not be allowed to operate, risking their jobs and potentially reducing the taxi service available to the city.
One taxi boss, David Young of 203020, said he was aware of a large minority who for one reason or another believe they have little hope of securing the qualification.
He has linked with not-for-profit organisation DEAP Ltd to offer accredited training, while Dundee and Angus College is also offering courses.
Dundee City Council has urged drivers not to think they can wait until the last moment to take the course, given the time commitment it requires and the finite number of spaces on courses.
It is hoped that the Role of the Professional Taxi and Private Hire Driver qualification will improve levels of customer service in Dundee.
Each year the council receives a “small number” of complaints from customers who have been unhappy with the attitude or helpfulness of some drivers and it is keen to eradicate that, given the rise in visitor numbers the V&A is expected to bring.
The course will enable drivers to brush up on their skills and has already been praised by councillors and by a number of the drivers who have taken it.
Dundee and Angus College has been offering training since March 2015 and lecturers are preparing for an influx of applicants as the deadline approaches.
The partnership between 203020 and DEAP Ltd is newer and has been developed to provide further opportunities for training and up-skilling of current and new taxi drivers to meet the requirements of the new legislation.
Both courses will increase knowledge with regards health and safety, road safety, vehicle maintenance, support for passengers who require assistance, safeguarding of vulnerable passengers and professional customer service.
Mr Young said: “We are very excited to have an opportunity to connect with the drivers who are at the front line of this ever-evolving and somewhat undervalued industry.
“The city is on the cusp of a boom and I want to ensure that the trade is ready to play its part.”