A decision on whether to remove the ‘knowledge’ test for taxi drivers in Bury is set to be made this week.

To gain a taxi licence, drivers currently have to take a geographical test correctly identifying locations and the most direct routes in the borough.

However, a proposed change in policy by Bury Council will see the tests thrown out due to ‘changes to modern operational practices and increased provision use and availability of GPS equipment’.

The current knowledge test for cabbies in Bury sees them asked to pinpoint three locations using a map, face 15 questions on road names of where premises are located and recount two journeys by the shortest route between two specific locations from memory.

The new knowledge test would not have any geographical element but would be revised to cover other topics in greater depth which are relevant to public safety such as licence conditions, safeguarding and road signs.

A consultation exercise with driver, taxi firms and the public was undertaken on the matter along with other changes to taxi policy in Bury.

One response from a private hire form said: “Everybody uses GPS now and I do not think that knowing roads is of any benefit, also the GPS allows for

diverted routes in the event of traffic or accident to get to the destination faster for driver and customer.”

Another response, said: “Geographical knowledge is not required in this current age due to modern tools such as GPS systems.

“Such systems can now take into account shortest routes and also how to avoid the likes of traffic situations depending on time of day.”

A council report to be put before members of the licensing committee on Thursday said: “The knowledge test was introduced reflecting the technology at the time which was a reliance on physical maps and practical knowledge of the area.

“The licensing service is conscious of the rapid development of technology which it is accepted is widely used currently by the private hire trade. Furthermore, the council is committed to addressing concerns of the trade and members regarding decreasing numbers of licensed drivers in Bury and

increasing numbers of licensed vehicles and drivers from ‘out of town’ areas.

“With readily accessible modern technology used by the trade, the licensing service believe that the geographic element of the knowledge test has been

effectively rendered unnecessary.”

If approved on Thursday the new standard would come into effect for all new applications from January 1, 2024.