END OF THE GLASGOW KNOWLEDGE? Council launches review of whether to keep topographical taxi test
Glasgow City Council has launched a new consultation reviewing whether to continue including the Glasgow ‘Knowledge’ topographical test as a requirement for taxi driver licensing.
In Glasgow, any individual who applies to become a Hackney Carriage taxi driver in the city must first sit and pass a Topographical Test of Knowledge. The test has been a requirement for a taxi driver’s licence for many years and is not a requirement for a Private Hire Car (PHC) driver’s licence.
The topographical test ensures that all taxi drivers picking up street hails and from taxi ranks has the knowledge to immediately navigate around the city. The driver's Knowledge would include the layout of city centre roads and the location of landmarks. The current format of the topographical test consists of 100 multiple choice questions. The applicant must obtain a pass mark of 70% to pass the test. The Topographical Test is undertaken in person, by the Licensing Authority.
On 1 March 2023 the Licensing and Regulatory Committee agreed for the Director of Legal and Administration to carry out a review of the requirement for all applicants who wish to apply for a Taxi Driver’s Licence to sit and pass a Topographical Test, by way of a consultation. The findings of the review will be reported back to the Committee.
