Taxi driver learning and development
This page outlines the actions the Government is taking to improve taxi driver skills and knowledge.
Information on this page
What we are doing
We are improving driver education by:
- Equipping new drivers with better skills to manage and avoid conflicts and aggressive passenger behaviour.
- Providing free workshops to all accredited taxi drivers to improve their skills in risk management and dealing with difficult passengers.
- Ensuring new drivers have a good understanding of Melbourne landmarks and locations.
- Undertaking regular audits of the quality of taxi driver training delivery and ensuring that testing standards are rigorously enforced.
Why we are doing it
Improving driver skills through the
Course in Taxi Driving and free workshops helps provide a safer workplace for drivers and delivers an improved service for passengers.
Good knowledge of the location of popular taxi user destinations will reduce one common cause of tension between drivers and passengers.
An important component of improved driver education is ensuring that training is well delivered and properly assessed.
What has happened to date
The Course in Taxi Driving has been expanded from 90 to 115 nominal hours and incorporates a component on conflict resolution and a test of Melbourne’s landmarks in addition to existing route knowledge requirements. From 1 July 2008, all prospective taxi drivers will be required to undertake this course before gaining their driver accreditation.
All taxi drivers were provided with a
taxi driver safety handbook with strategies for improving driver safety in August 2007.
Timelines
There will be 15 free
conflict resolution and risk management workshops run by registered training organisations throughout June 2008. Additional workshops may be delivered subject to demand.
Funding
The Victorian Government will fund all costs associated with the provision of risk management and conflict resolution workshops for current taxi drivers.
Frequently asked questions
I'm an active taxi driver, how do I register for the free conflict resolution workshops?
See
Conflict resolution & risk management workshops.
Do drivers have to take part in a workshop?
Workshops are voluntary, however we strongly encourage all accredited drivers to attend to refresh their skills in conflict resolution and risk management.
Why do taxi drivers need improved training in conflict avoidance and management of aggressive and violent behaviour?
Feedback from the taxi industry indicates that drivers need more help to stop conflicts before they arise, or to manage them better when they do occur. All new drivers will receive this training as part of the
Course in Taxi Driving, while drivers with a bit more experience have the opportunity to refresh their skills by taking part in the free workshops.
How will higher driver training standards be delivered?
The Victorian Government will be undertaking regular audits of the quality of taxi driver training delivery and will ensure that testing standards are rigorously enforced.
What information is included in the driver safety handbook?
The driver safety handbook contains information on a range of safety related topics, including:
- Strategies for dealing with difficult or aggressive passengers and avoiding assault or fare evasion
- The importance of knowing how to operate security equipment and procedures
- What to do after an incident occurs.
See
Handbook: Victorian Taxi Driver Safety.
More information
For more information,
contact the Victorian Taxi Directorate.