A driver with prior convictions fails to secure a taxi license for the fourth time due to driving offenses and omissions in his application.
He applied before, back in 2007, 2008, and 2009. He got a license in 2010, but lost it in 2012. He sped in 2022 and 2023. He had a child in the car once while speeding. He has six points now on his license.
He admitted he drove drunk in 2014. He lost his license for three years then. A course lowered the ban to about two years. He also had to pay a fine. He said he sped to pass another car.
He got speeding warnings back in 2010. One was soon after getting his license. He was also caught with cannabis in 2012. That cost him his taxi license then. He said he drank at a friend’s place.
He told the committee he wasn’t an addict. Carelessness was his issue, he said. A counselor told them he changed. He doesn’t hang out with his old friends anymore.
Another council, Wolverhampton, said no earlier. It was because of past issues. He didn’t mention this on his application. He also forgot to state Stockton had refused him before. He had a bus license for years, he added.
He called himself ‘immature’ before. Now he is ‘honest’ with a family, he claimed. He drives a big public vehicle daily. He can drive smaller buses. He just lacks a specific taxi license.
They asked about the speeding offenses. He said he missed seeing the speed van. He said he wasn’t driving dangerously. It simply occurred, he explained to them.
He said he was distracted with his child passenger. He said he would have slowed if he saw the camera. He has quit drinking for eight years or so.
The committee felt concerned. They wouldn’t want loved ones in his car. The speeding incidents confirmed their concerns, they declared. He wasn’t a reliable person, said the committee.
He said he was paying no attention while driving a child. He would brake only if he saw the speed trap. This attitude worried the panel. They expect more from licensed drivers.
The council voted. They all agreed to deny his taxi license.