Taxi drivers and private hire drivers in Bracknell are divided over whether the notoriously difficult geographical “knowledge test” – which cab drivers have to pass before getting their license – should be scrapped.

Members of the council’s licensing committee are set to vote on whether to get rid of the test on Thursday, October 19. Council documents suggest that the widespread use of SatNavs means the test may no longer be necessary.

A consultation of Hackney Carriage and private hire drivers run ahead of the vote revealed the two groups are divided over whether or not the council should keep it.

Some Hackney Carriage drivers said the test should stay, arguing that SatNavs can be unreliable. One person who took part said: “I feel very strongly that all licensed drivers should have knowledge of the local area as we are obliged to take the shortest route and SatNavs are not that accurate.

“Also knowledge of guest houses, care homes and doctors surgeries etc should be essential to doing an efficient job.”

But another response said SatNav technology meant the knowledge test is no longer needed – and that having to pass it can stop many aspiring drivers from getting a job.

It said: “This requirement discourages potential drivers from pursuing a livelihood in the private hire industry, limiting the opportunities for private hire operators to recruit more drivers.”

It adds: “Furthermore, advancements in technology have made access to accurate navigation tools more prevalent than ever. Many private hire drivers have GPS navigation apps and vehicle are equipped with GPS systems that provide real time directions, which can be relied upon to ensure passengers reach their destination promptly and safely.”

READ MORE: Bracknell taxi drivers say 'keep the knowledge test’

Other responses argued that the knowledge test should stay for Hackney Carriage drivers, who are the only ones allowed to be hailed down on the street, but shouldn’t be compulsory for private hire drivers.

One person said: “I would agree that Hackney Carriage drivers should have a good level of knowledge of the local area as they hail customers.

“I don't think that private hire drivers would need to necessarily retain this element for the nature of the business, being on advance booking only there is an element of preparation of route for the driver before he/she is dispatched.”

Council documents say some 39 responses to the consultation were received, and that 65 per cent agreed the test should be kept, while 28 per cent disagreed.

It added that there seemed to be a “clear divide” between Hackney Carriage drivers who wanted to keep the test and private hire drivers who thought it should go.

Councillors were set to make their decision at the meeting on Thursday, October 19.