Aberdeen could scrap taxi drivers' street knowledge test

Some taxi drivers might not need to pass Aberdeen's street knowledge test before being allowed to operate in the city, according to council proposals.

Under current rules anyone seeking a licence as a taxi or private hire driver in the city has to sit the demanding test.

But some claim it is outdated due to the availability of satellite navigation and online mapping, and the test has been seen as a barrier to recruitment for the ride hailing app Uber.

Councillors have been asked to begin a consultation on a raft of policy changes as part of a review.

Officials suggest asking whether the knowledge test should be amended or removed.

This could be for private hire drivers including Uber or drivers of taxis who pick up from ranks and city streets, or for both groups.

Among other potential changes could be a merging of the city's two taxi zones.

Aberdeen International Airport is zoned separately to the rest of the city, with taxi drivers only permitted to hold a licence to pick up in one zone or the other.

Combining them would allow city drivers to join the rank at the airport, potentially alleviating delays at busy times, while airport drivers could pick up anywhere in the city.

The review would also look at issues including the rules around the type and age of vehicles, and whether to allow private hire cars to carry advertising.

Members of Aberdeen City Council's licencing committee will discuss the issue in January.

The consultation would be held in the spring, with a further report expected to come before councillors next May.