BVTM supports plan to introduce taxi driver examination

The "Little Expertise" must now be implemented promptly, according to Federal Association Managing Director Michael Oppermann. The examination has been stipulated in federal law since summer 2021 and was supposed to replace the local knowledge test for taxi drivers – but its implementation has not yet occurred.

"The taxi driver examination must now be introduced. We welcome that the states have finally agreed on an approach," Oppermann explains.

The Federal Association of Taxi and Rental Cars advocated for the introduction of a uniform driver qualification during the amendment of the Passenger Transport Act. It was important to the association that the same requirements apply to taxi drivers as well as to drivers of ride services like Uber & Co.

"Passenger transport is more than just driving a car," Oppermann continued. "Anyone who drives a taxi has a special responsibility for their passengers. People must be able to rely on the fact that every single driver is aware of the rules of passenger transport and road traffic and is conscious of their special responsibility. To ensure this, the small specialist knowledge test is needed."

The federal association supports the states' plans to actually introduce the small specialist knowledge test. Managing Director Oppermann emphasizes:

"The Federal Association of Taxis and Rental Cars and the state associations and taxi centers organized within it clearly support the small specialist knowledge test. We expect it to be introduced this year. We notice that Uber and smaller trade associations have different positions because the trade is also struggling with a driver shortage. However, the safety and order of passenger transport remain our top priority."