Taxi drivers in Preston may be required to take more tests in order to get their licences, according to Preston City Council. Proposals to introduce a compulsory BTEC course in Passenger Transport will be discussed by the council when it meets later this week.
The extra test will focus on looking after passengers with disabilities and improving customer care skills.
The council wants to bring in the test following an increase in complaints.
All Hackney and private hire taxi drivers will still be required to pass Preston Council's Communication and Knowledge test as well as the BTEC course.
If the new test is approved, Preston would be become the first council in the north west to introduce the BTEC compulsory course for taxi drivers.
The BTEC course in Passenger Transport will be taught at Runshaw College and has the support of local taxi drivers.
"Anything that improves the taxi service is a good thing," said Keith McNicholas, Secretary of Preston Hackney Carriage Association.
"We want to embrace new training courses like this so we can keep ahead of the game."
The meeting takes place on Thursday at 1000 GMT at Preston Town Hall.
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We want to embrace new training courses like this so we can keep ahead of the game
