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Uber Sues Transport for London Over New Required Written English Test

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Uber drivers in London now have to pass a two-hour English exam

If you want to be a professional driver in London, the requirements are extremely strict. In fact, London’s testing for the drivers of its iconic black cabs is some of the most stringent in the world. So really, it should come as no surprise that Transport for London (TfL), the government agency responsible for city transportation, is requiring the capital city’s Uber drivers to pass a test, too.

And London’s Uber drivers aren’t happy about it. Not one bit.

According to a recent report from CNN Money, London’s new requirements for Uber drivers ask them to pass a two-hour-long written English test, which is a requirement even those applying for British citizenship don’t need to pass. The test called a B1 exam consists of a reading and writing test, as well as a speaking and listening test. The British citizenship tests only require people to pass a speaking and listening section.

In response to these new rules, Uber drivers have decided to sue TfL.

Uber said in a statement, “If they do not pay for and pass a B1 written English exam, then they will lose their license and thus their livelihood.” Tom Elvidge, Uber’s London general manager reiterated the company’s worry, stating, “This legal action is very much a last resort. New rules are now being introduced that will be bad for both drivers and tech companies like Uber.”

Uber believes that its drivers in the United Kingdom are already screened thoroughly and sufficiently. These drivers must have had an unrestricted license for three years and must carry hire and reward insurance. There are also medical exams and background checks that they must pass. There is even a topographical skills test that measures language comprehension and map-reading skills. Overall, the transportation giant thinks this is enough.

News Source: CNN Money