FIRST STEPS: North Somerset Council hosts taxi driver testing sessions for new applicants

Aspiring taxi drivers in North Somerset have the opportunity to take the first mandatory driving test next week.

The Licensing team at North Somerset Council is organising the session, which will be held on Tuesday 11 June.

Three slots are available: 9.15am, 10.30am, and 11.45am. Prospective drivers are required to bring their driving licence and National Insurance number. Arriving at the New Council Chamber at the Town Hall in Weston-super-Mare 15 minutes prior to the scheduled test time is recommended.

Pre-booking is essential, and a fee of £25 is payable at the time of booking.

Matt Lenny, the North Somerset Council’s Director of Public Health and Regulatory Services, said: “This initial test is the first step to becoming a taxi driver.

“It’s a short, multiple choice, written test of basic English, maths and map reading. People will find out on the day whether they’ve passed and, if they’ve been successful, they’ll then be able to start the application process to get their taxi driver licence.”