Taxi Driver required courses and training

Safeguarding and disability awareness training

New drivers must complete the Torbay Council Licensing Department approved Safeguarding and disability awareness training. This must be done before we can issue you your first licence. 

All existing drivers must complete this course before their next driver renewal if they have not already completed the previously approved course.

You will do this training on a Zoom Meeting.

On completion you will be issued a digital e-certificate. You must ensure you keep a copy of your certificate.

Course aims:

• Safeguarding and equality. Learn what this means in relation to provision of taxi and private hire services. Understand the need to be ‘fit and proper’.
• Learn about national requirements, local licensing policy/conditions and good business practice.
• Discuss the Social Model of disability.
• Find out about the local picture of health, disability and safeguarding issues.
• Discuss driver safety and practical ways to stay safe.
• Learn about the law covering safeguarding and equality. This will include civil wrongs of discrimination.
• Understand the criminal offences in the Equality Act 2010.
• Increase awareness of the range of disabilities. Learn how to support and interact with passengers so they have the best possible journey.
• Dementia Awareness.
• Recognise types of abuse, risk and vulnerability. Learn key differences in assisting children and adults.
• Learn about specific safeguarding concerns (i.e. CSAE, modern slavery, county lines,).
• Discuss Indicators of Risk with specific focus on those relevant to the trade.
• Understand wider risks to business, drivers and community safety from ignoring issues.
• Know how, and to whom, you can safely and confidently report their concerns.

You will need a good Wi-Fi connection for the duration of the course. You will need a device with working camera and audio. We recommend using a laptop or tablet.

The course will last approximately 4 hours.

Booking a course

You can book the course directly with the approved provider, Unified Transport Systems.

If the course dates are limited, please email Unified Transport Systems to ask if they have any other course dates available.

The Course is £35 per person.

The course provider will email you with full joining instructions for you to join a Zoom Meeting. Please contact the course provider directly with any questions about:

• booking a place
• using Zoom
• re-arranging a booking

Suicide Awareness Training for Taxi Drivers (Optional Course)

The following free 10-minute course has been developed with support from taxi drivers across 10 local authorities and shares information about suicide. The aim of the course is to help drivers to recognise the signs of suicidal behaviour and have a conversation with someone you may be worried about. Further information and the link to the course can be found at Suicide Awareness Training for taxi drivers.