English test Australian cabbies

English test Australian cabbies. Australian-born taxi drivers are offended that they are being asked to take an English test before they can get a license. The test has to be taken online and it is a prerequisite to obtaining a license.

The cabbies are particularly mad because they believe English is their first language. The spokesperson of the Queensland Taxi Advisers Incorporated, John Rahilly, does not see the need for the test.

Rahilly said that, “I think it’s ridiculous that English-speaking drivers have to sit the test, and there are no exemptions. The initial reason for the test was to remedy the problem that already exists in the industry whereby many current drivers are not fluent in English.”

The Queensland Transport and Main Roads made it mandatory for taxi drivers to take the English test in November last year. So far the test has been taken by about 869 people and 186 of them have failed. Applicants are required to pay $90 for the test which is provided online by the Central Queensland Institute of TAFE. The test is not discriminatory, meaning every nationality is required to take it.

The drivers have also complained about the cost of the test which they say is on the higher side.

Source: thaindian