Earn As You Learn: A Solution to the UK Taxi and Private Hire Driver Shortage?
The taxi and private hire trade is facing a significant challenge in the UK as driver numbers continue to decline. This shortage is impacting regular cab users, with 70% struggling or failing to book a taxi since December 2021, according to research commissioned by Autocab.
With passengers waiting 61% longer for a car and the national fleet down by more than 20,000 drivers, the introduction of an 'Earn as you learn' scheme could be a potential solution to tackle this crisis.
Understanding the 'Earn as you learn' scheme
An 'Earn as you learn' scheme is an initiative that enables prospective taxi and private hire drivers to receive on-the-job training while earning an income. This approach provides a pathway for new drivers to enter the industry while gaining practical experience.
This can potentially help address the driver shortage by attracting individuals who may have been deterred by the initial investment of time and resources required to obtain a licence.
Why the scheme could help the taxi and private hire trade
Introducing an 'Earn as you learn' scheme could help the taxi and private hire trade in several ways:
Attracting new drivers: The scheme offers a financial incentive to join the industry, as individuals can earn an income while completing the necessary training and certification requirements. This reduces the financial burden associated with becoming a licensed driver.
Improving driver retention: The on-the-job training provided through the scheme can help drivers become better equipped to handle challenges and complexities of the job, leading to increased job satisfaction and, in turn, better driver retention rates.
Enhancing service quality: With more drivers on the road, customers can expect shorter wait times, increased availability, and improved service quality. This can lead to a more positive overall perception of the taxi and private hire trade.
Licensing authorities and the 'Earn as you learn' scheme
Several cities across the globe have successfully increased the number of registered taxi and private hire drivers via these schemes.
In the UK, Rochford District Council's pioneering scheme enables new drivers to work as hire drivers while they complete their course. Assigned mentors closely monitor the progress of each driver during their nine-month training process. Since its implementation, last year, 27 drivers have enrolled in the program, with five having successfully completed the course.
Similarly, the Basildon Council introduced a nine-month pilot scheme called to address the decline in the number of licensed drivers following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The program allows new drivers to work as private hire drivers while they learn local routes and pass the topographical knowledge test. Applicants must meet existing pre-licensing criteria to ensure passenger safety, including passing criminal record checks, driving assessments, medical and passenger assistance training, and other checks.
Danny Lawrence, Chairman of Basildon Council's Licensing Committee, welcomed the scheme: "We are keen to encourage new driver applicants into Basildon, to boost our driver numbers and help our residents who want to access quality local transport options.
"We hope that by giving drivers the chance to earn while they are learning our local areas, they will be supported to pass the topographical test to achieve the same professional standards as other licence holders. This will then mean they can have a licence giving them greater flexibility to drive private hire or hackney carriage vehicles licensed by Basildon Council, with all the benefits that brings."
The success of these schemes could well lead to the rollout of similar programmes across the rest of the UK. Considering the huge driver shortage at the moment, it could be exactly what the industry needs.