A would-be Aberdeen taxi driver's attempt to bribe test officials has ignited a fresh wave of controversy surrounding the city's stringent taxi licensing process.
Kashif Iftikhar, after failing the 80-question Street Knowledge Test a staggering twelve times, offered invigilators between £700 and £800 to pass, according to reports.
This incident has reignited long-standing concerns about the test's efficacy and fairness.
The Street Knowledge Test, covering streets, landmarks, routes, and the Highway Code, has been a point of contention in Aberdeen for years. Critics argue it's an outdated barrier to entry, exacerbating the city's taxi driver shortage, particularly during peak hours.
The test's relevance is further questioned by examples such as the inclusion of questions about long-closed establishments, such as: “How do you get to the Neptune Bar?”
Iftikhar's bribery attempts occurred during two separate testing sessions in September and November 2022. Both offers were rejected, and his tests were invalidated after he was caught using his mobile phone to cheat.
Despite his repeated failures, Iftikhar, who has 15 years of experience in hospitality and three as a delivery driver in Aberdeen, expressed his desperation to work as a taxi driver to support his family in an email to licensing officials.
The bribery incident has amplified calls for reform. With a dismal 18.5% pass rate, the test's effectiveness and fairness are under scrutiny.
The arrival of Uber in 2024 further complicates the situation, with such companies advocating for the test's complete removal. As the debate intensifies, the need for a more accessible and relevant licensing process in Aberdeen becomes increasingly apparent.
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