Q: What are the taxi driver training requirements for large taxi areas?

From 24 January 2011, all new applicants for taxi driver authorisation (DA) who intend to drive in major contracted taxi service areas are required to successfully complete training in the seven (7) nationally endorsed competency units delivered by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

Q: What are the seven competency units?

The seven required competency units are:

• Complete induction to the transport industry (TLIL6009A)
• Drive taxicab (TLIC907C)
• Use communication systems in a taxicab (TLIB9009A)
• Comply with safety and security procedures (TLIF7209A)
• Identify major roads, services and attractions (TLIH407B)
• Provide taxicab customer service (TLII1909A)
• Carry out financial transactions and maintain records (TLIQ1609A)

Q: What is a major contracted taxi service area?

The major contracted taxi service areas are defined by the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) as areas that have 35 or more taxi service licences. Therefore, the taxi service areas that are affected by this new training requirement are:

• Brisbane
• Cairns
• Gold Coast
• Ipswich
• Mackay
• Redcliffe
• Rockhampton
• Sunshine Coast
• Toowoomba
• Townsville

Q: Who can deliver the training?

The 7 competency units must be delivered by an Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

Q: How long will the new training take to complete, and what will it cost?

The length of the training course and the cost will be determined by the RTO delivering the training. Please discuss this directly with the RTO delivering the training.

Q: Why do I have to sit an English assessment to drive a taxi?

It is a requirement under Queensland legislation that applicants for taxi DA are able to speak and understand English. In May 2008, the Australian Transport Council agreed to the development of a national minimum taxi driver training framework which included the development of an English language proficiency standard.

Q: English is my first language, do I need to undertake an English Assessment?

Yes. All new applicants for taxi DA are required to demonstrate their English proficiency by undertaking an assessment.

Q: What will I be assessed on?

You will be assessed on five (5) core skills:

• Listening
• Reading
• Writing
• Speaking
• Numeracy

Q: Who administers the assessment?

The assessment is administered by qualified assessors from Central Queensland Institute of TAFE.

Q: How do I book an English assessment?

You will need to contact Central Queensland Institute of TAFE on 1300 278 233.

English Proficiency Assessment for Taxi Drivers, 22 March 2011

end faq