In our latest blog article, we take an in-depth dive into the recent decision by Flemish Mobility Minister Lydia Peeters (Open VLD) regarding the extension of the deadline for taxi drivers with a Flemish licence to pass their Dutch language test.
Stricter Language Requirements for Drivers
The new 2020 taxi decree has raised the bar for taxi drivers by requiring them to demonstrate a minimum knowledge of Dutch. This means they must obtain a certificate of language level Dutch B1 within two years of obtaining their licence. Originally, a transitional period until 30 June 2022 was envisaged, but this was previously extended to 30 June 2024. Now minister Peeters has decided to add another year to this deadline.
Protests and Pleas
This decision stems from protests by taxi drivers, who perceive the language requirements as too strict. In particular, drivers who have been working in the sector for a long time have pleaded for relaxations. However, Minister Peeters stressed the importance of the required language level and advised drivers to register for online language courses specifically tailored to the needs of taxi drivers, at two adult education centres.
This transitional measure aims to support the sector, especially given the already existing challenges in finding suitable staff. At the same time, the minister underlines that it is still very important that all taxi drivers strive to reach the mandatory language level.
Should CTD Taxi drivers also take the test?
It is worth noting that our company does not face any problem with these language requirements. All our drivers have an excellent command of Dutch, French and English. This enables us to offer our services with a high level of customer satisfaction and efficiency, regardless of the language requirements that different situations entail. In this way, we continue to serve our customers in the best possible way, regardless of developments in the industry.
