TAXI and Private Hire drivers from East Devon have successfully completed NVQs in Road Passenger Vehicle Driving.

TAXI and Private Hire drivers from East Devon have successfully completed NVQs in Road Passenger Vehicle Driving.

At a special presentation on 15 April at East Devon District Council's Offices, 17 drivers were awarded certificates in recognition of their outstanding achievements by Councillor Graham Godbeer, Chairman of the Licensing and Enforcement Committee.

Gary Charles, South West Training Manager for Skills UK, praised the drivers for the time taken out of work to study, adding: "You have set an example for others to follow".

He went on: "For some drivers, this is their first ever formal qualification and they feel really proud of what they have achieved".

The training was provided free under the Government's 'Train to Gain' scheme and was delivered by Skills UK Ltd., a leading provider of driver training.

Training includes awareness of the support needed by people with disabilities, customer service skills, health and safety, taxi and private hire regulation and safe driving skills.

The training scheme is gaining momentum and the next group of drivers have now signed up for the NVQ. This is particularly relevant as traditionally there has been a very low number of people holding Level 2 qualifications (GCSE) within the transport industry.

Samantha Carlin, Operations Manager of Skills UK, said: "We have been thrilled at the level of take-up of this training. The improvements made by drivers will help to give locals and visitors to the region a first-class experience".