The NSW Taxi Council developed the TaxiCare Basic course to assist networks outside the Sydney Metropolitan Transport District provide training and assessment for new taxi drivers.
The course is available to members of the NSW Taxi Council and networks that are authorised network member of the NSW Taxi Council, its affiliated associations, members of the NSW Country Taxi Operators Association or associations or persons as may be approved by the NSW Taxi Council from time to time. It is provided at a nominal cost to cover the cost of printing and distribution.
The course is not mandatory but is designed as an aid to networks that want to provide a consistent and more comprehensive level of training.
The course may be part of a classroom led program arranged by the authorised taxi network or as a self paced learning program or used in any other manner determined most suitable.
The course is presented in four modules.
How to apply for the TaxiCare Basic Course and support materials
The Participant Manual for every new driver is $45.00.
The Network Guides will be provided free of charge to all authorised member networks that apply. The Guides include the following:
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Developing Training and Assessment Material for Module 1.
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Training Templates.
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Assessment Templates.
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Assessor Answer Guide Templates.
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CD with Training, Assessment, Assessor Answer Guide Templates and a draft Certificate.
All networks wishing to order this course should fax an order on your Network letterhead to either Tia or Margaret at the NSW Taxi Council: Fax: 02 9360 1675.
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Module 1 – Localities and Routes
This module is used to ensure taxi drivers know where the important locations in their area are, how to find locations and how to get there. The material includes a guide (including templates) for networks to develop their own training and assessment material tailored to their own area of operation.
The material explains how to train drivers to use a street directory or map to find streets and locations, to memorise the most important streets and locations and how to get from place to place using the best route. It also provides guidelines on how to assess whether the driver understands and knows how to do each of these  things.
Module 2 – Regulations
As the regulations are the same throughout the State, this has been produced as a standard module. It contains all the training and assessment materials required for networks to train and assess whether the new drivers know and understand the regulations.
The module provides an overview of which rules and regulations apply to taxi drivers. It explains the meaning of words used in the regulation and the penalties that apply for not complying with a regulation. A list of clauses in the regulation is provided along with more details on selected items that are particularly relevant and important. The last section of this module covers the rules of behaviour for taxi drivers and passengers; including the Passengers’ Charter of Rights and the Taxi Driver Code of Conduct.
Assessment material is also provided to assist networks determine that the drivers have learnt and understands the regulations that affect them.
Module 3 – Customer Service
This module explains the importance of customer service and reviews how to work with customers in a professional manner that provides customers with excellent service. This module gives drivers useful advice on working with customers in an effective way that helps make customers satisfied and the drivers feel they are doing a good job. The section on Passengers with Special Needs helps to ensure that passengers with special needs including disabilities are given a professional, helpful and safe service. This module gives ideas and techniques that can be put into practice immediately the drivers start driving and ensures the new drivers have the skills and knowledge required to give professional levels of customer service.
Module 4 – Taxi Driving Business Management
This module includes material to train and assess drivers’ knowledge of how to run their taxi driving business. It includes information on the role of a professional taxi driver, taxi preparation and taxi driving skills. Information on financial management, GST and record keeping is also provided. The final section of this module deals with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) matters. It is vitally important that taxi operators ensure their drivers are properly trained regarding OHS or they may risk stiff penalties and even custodial sentences for failing to meet their OHS obligations.
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