Uber urges Aberdeen councillors to scrap Street Knowledge Test despite public backing for its retention

Uber has issued a last‑minute appeal for Aberdeen City Council to abolish the long‑standing Street Knowledge Test, even though a major public consultation found strong support for keeping the requirement in place.

The plea comes ahead of a key licensing committee meeting next Wednesday, where councillors will consider potential changes to the city’s taxi and private hire policy following years of complaints about driver shortages.

Around 1,800 people responded to the consultation earlier this year. More participants favoured retaining the Street Knowledge Test than removing it, despite concerns from business leaders that a lack of taxis is harming the night‑time economy.

Uber’s Head of Cities, Matthew Freckelton, has urged councillors to disregard the consultation findings and instead focus on modernising Aberdeen’s transport rules.

In a commentary published ahead of the meeting, he argued that the Street Knowledge Test — which requires applicants to memorise routes, landmarks and connecting streets — is preventing new drivers from entering the trade.

He said the exam “served a purpose” in the past but is now outdated in an era where sat‑nav systems and smartphone apps provide real‑time navigation.

“Aberdeen has a long‑standing and well‑documented shortage of private hire cars, and that’s mainly down to one thing,” he wrote. “Quite simply, [the test] is holding the city back.”

Freckelton said removing the requirement would allow the council to maintain high standards while enabling a “more modern, competency‑based approach” that could improve reliability for passengers.

Uber, which is already operating in Aberdeen, says scrapping the test would help address “chronic shortages” that leave residents struggling to secure a ride home, particularly at peak times.

Freckelton urged councillors to “make the right decision for the people of Aberdeen” when they meet on June 3, arguing that reform could “unlock a modern transport network” and support economic growth.

“For older generations, it will mean the option to always get a reliable, timely ride — whether it is to catch a train, go to a medical appointment, or see family,” he added.

Licensing committee members will review the consultation findings next week and decide which parts of the taxi policy, if any, should be amended.