Aberdeen City Council is embarking on a significant review of its Taxi and Private Hire Policy, with a key focus on regulations that industry players, notably app-based ride-hailing giant Uber, argue hinder growth and driver recruitment in the city. A forthcoming public consultation will scrutinise the requirement for all taxi and private hire drivers to pass the ‘Street Knowledge Test’ before being licensed.
This comprehensive review, recommended by the council’s Licensing Committee, could reshape Aberdeen’s transport landscape. The existing policy mandates drivers demonstrate intricate knowledge of the city’s routes and landmarks, a tradition echoing London’s rigorous ‘Knowledge’ test, which has been a staple for black cab drivers for decades. However, in an era dominated by GPS navigation, the necessity of such an extensive memorisation test for private hire drivers is increasingly debated.
Uber, which finally secured its license to operate in Aberdeen in June 2024 after an earlier attempt in 2018 and a subsequent legal challenge, has consistently highlighted the Street Knowledge Test as a significant barrier to attracting drivers. The company’s business model worldwide relies on drivers utilising in-app navigation, rendering traditional route memorisation less critical. This perspective is gaining traction in other UK cities; while some councils like Sheffield and Durham still include locality elements in their knowledge tests, Durham has removed the locality test specifically for private hire drivers, acknowledging the shift in operational methods. Other councils, such as Reigate and Banstead, even permit the use of map books or online tools during their private hire knowledge tests.
The push for modernisation in Aberdeen comes amidst public demand for enhanced transport options. Adrian Watson, chief executive of business improvement body Aberdeen Inspired, has publicly supported Uber’s entry, citing “significant issues with the current taxi service,” particularly a shortage of vehicles during peak weekend hours and a notable drop in driver numbers from over 800 before the pandemic to approximately 600. Uber aims to recruit between 40 and 50 drivers for the city, though initial figures hovered around 25.
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Beyond the Street Knowledge Test, the council’s review will explore other pivotal aspects of the current licensing framework. These include potential changes to the city’s two-zone taxi licensing system, which currently distinguishes between ‘city’ and ‘airport’ licensed vehicles with differing operational restrictions. The report suggests seeking public input on combining these zones to allow all taxis to operate across the entire council area. Additionally, existing vehicle age limits and advertising restrictions are on the table for reassessment, potentially aligning Aberdeen’s rules more closely with those of other major UK cities where ride-hailing services have flourished.
The public consultation is scheduled to run from February to March 2026, with the Licensing Committee set to review the findings and consider policy amendments in May. This review represents a critical juncture for Aberdeen’s transport sector, balancing traditional regulatory standards, public safety, and the evolving demands of a modern, digitally driven economy.
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