TOUGHER English tests for would-be cabbies could be introduced across West Yorkshire, according to a new report.

Calderdale Council is expected next week to approve the introduction of an in-house English test for all new applications for both hackney carriage and private hire licences.

A report to the authority's licensing and regulatory committee outlines that this is set to be part of a consistent approach across the region, whereby all authorities are considering introducing a minimum standard equivalent to ESOL Level 3.

But Bradford is still considering options when it comes to making changes to its current English test for cabbies, it has emerged.

New rules were introduced in Bradford in 2015 to raise standards in the trade, meaning new drivers are expected to be able to chat about the weather or the local area, as well as write a receipt before they are granted a licence.

In Calderdale licensing bosses are suggesting introducing a reading, writing and listening assessment at the Adult Learning Centre in Halifax at a cost of £15 per applicant.

Should a potential driver fail the test, they can be offered a course to bring their language skills up to scratch.

The report states: "The licensing authority recognises that to offer a reasonable standard of service and safety to the customer a basic knowledge of spoken English language was required.

"Neighbouring authorities have also adopted this as an essential requirement. It was suggested that the ESOL Entry 3 be adopted as part of all new drivers applications.

"During discussions, members suggested that the ESOL 3 qualification should be offered 'in-house' to ensure that costs were kept to a minimum for applicants."

An initial decision is expected to be made in Calderdale on Monday.

The report also outlines how the five authorities currently have different approaches.

Leeds Council has already introduced the Level 3 standard, at a cost of £25 per applicant, which is outsourced to a training provider.

Wakefield Council expects drivers to undertake a two hour course for £27, which is a Level 1 assessment in functional skills, literacy and numeracy.

Bradford Council offers basic testing at application to check if an applicant has an understanding of spoken English.

Kirklees Council runs an in-house training course for all new drivers, including a knowledge tests, which includes a basic understanding of English.

A Bradford Council spokesman said: “We revised our test in 2015 and it involves drivers having a conversation with a licensing officer and writing a receipt. This is still being used for all new licences only.

“We are in close contact with neighbouring authorities in West Yorkshire and exploring options for future language tests.”

Mohammed Khan of the Hackney Carriage Owners and Drivers Association in Bradford said that new drivers in the city are already expected to undergo a basic test and that the knowledge test was also in effect a check on a driver's understanding and language skills.

He said: "I am in favour of each authority making sure a driver can understand and communicate with their passengers, but I don't think it is much of an issue for hackney carriage drivers in Bradford.

"Many have been working in the city for years and a few years back some took a language test voluntarily even though it wasn't required by the Council."