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CONTACT INFORMATION

jekerlin@taxischool.co.uk
Jim Kerlin
3 Duncan Green
LIVINGSTON
West Lothian
EH54 8PR
Tel: 01506 439783

FULL EVENING CLASS DETAILS

STAGE 1.

• The first part of the course lasts for just over 6 weeks, with a total of 13 lessons (2 per week). If it is not convenient to attend twice weekly, it is possible to spread the lessons over a 13 week, or longer, period (please phone for details with your exact requirements).
  Lectures take place most Monday and Thursday evenings. If it is not possible to attend a particular class, an alternative date will be given for the next time this lesson will be taught. The student will be most welcome to attend, and as our classes run almost continuously, this is normally approximately six weeks later.

At this initial stage the following classes take place:-

1. Housing Areas & Individual Streets - 8 sessions
2. Places of Interest lecture - 1 session This lesson consists of a lecture & PowerPoint presentation on 'Places of Interest' in Edinburgh. This visual, and therefore more memorable, lesson is conducted by one of Edinburgh's leading tourist guides, who has a vast knowledge of the history of the city.
3. Accountant's Lecture - 1 session - This lesson features a lecture on 'Book-keeping for the Self-Employed.' This class gives a basic insight into the requirements to avoid unnecessary problems in the future. This lesson is taught by an accountant from one of the foremost accountancy firms dealing with the taxi trade.
4. Additional Information Lectures - 3 sessions - These lessons cover the additional items which a taxi driver is expected to know. i.e. hotels, hospitals, theatres etc. At this stage a 'Pubs and Clubs' PowerPoint presentation is also shown. Council Topographical Test procedures, general taxi related information topics etc are also discussed at this stage.

STAGE 2 Weekly Route Planning Lectures.

These sessions are devoted entirely to route planning techniques and practice. We have included route planning in our curriculum from the very first lesson which we taught more than 20 years ago. However, over the years, the Council has placed greater emphasis on the route questions in the topographical exam and consequently our course has evolved accordingly. The concentrated weekly route planning sessions which we teach today allow time for a more in-depth study of this important aspect of the course.

STAGE 3 - Weekly Assessment Classes.

These assessment sessions are held on a weekly basis, and students are expected to tackle two "Full Mock Tests" each session under examination conditions.
These sessions give our pupils a very accurate indication of just how well prepared they actually are. The tests are also an extremely useful aid to finding any weak spots in the individual's study programme, giving potential candidates a realistic timescale to work towards the Council Test.

STAGES 2 & 3 CAN RUN CONCURRENTLY IF THE STUDENT WISHES.

Individual help has always been readily available before, during and after the above classes for pupils who may be experiencing difficulties. We have now decided to hold weekly "drop in" learning support sessions. Our students are welcome to come along and discuss any problems with course work, receive extra tuition with unfamiliar areas, ask advice about learning techniques etc. These session will of course be free of charge.

• LOCATION:-Classes are held in Edinburgh at BOROUGHMUIR HIGH SCHOOL, Viewforth. (Just off Bruntsfield Place)
  
  
• DAYS:-
  • Lectures are normally held on Monday & Thursday evenings.
  • Route Planning classes take place weekly.
  • "Drop-in" Learning Support sessions take place weekly.
  • Assessment Tests take place weekly.
  
  
  
• TIMES:-The time for all classes is usually 7pm till 9pm, with the exception of the first evening when we request that all new students attend at 6:30pm
  
  
• ENROLMENT:-Students may start the course any week they wish, as the order the initial thirteen lessons are studied in is immaterial.
  
  

We ask that new students attend at 6.30pm to enable them to inspect an example course and ask any questions regarding the lessons, or the actual test, prior to enrolment. At this time the instructor will be more than happy to explain in greater detail the format the lessons will take.

If the student decides that they would like to enrol on the course we would take payment of the course fee, issue a receipt and also the initial pack containing maps, map book, street directory, stationery etc. The actual lesson will commence at 7pm.

May we reiterate that NO FURTHER FEES will be payable to ourselves during a student's 12 months registration.

Payment of the course fee can be made by cash, cheque or debit/credit card. (If paying by cheque please make payable to "KERLIN")

Included in the cost of the classes, we supply a document wallet containing a large coloured plan map of Edinburgh, an atlas map book of the Edinburgh area, the latest edition of the Thomson's street directory and all pens, pencils, jotters and highlighter pens required throughout the course.

There are usually at least two members of staff available in the school. EACH MEMBER OF STAFF HOLDS A CURRENT TAXI DRIVER'S LICENCE AND EACH HAS MORE THAN 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN THE TAXI TRADE. Therefore help is always readily available for any problems encountered, specific questions requiring answers and general learning support.

Outwith normal class times, staff are available both before and after the lessons and also at our weekly "drop in" learning support sessions. Additionally students are most welcome to either phone or email at any time and we will do our best to help with any queries etc.

Our course is continuously updated, reflecting the ever-changing requirements of the Council. Our Assessment tests change weekly and incorporate the very latest routes, streets, hotels etc, etc. We are able to do this by using feedback from our own student base.

We are very conscious of the necessity for classes to run on a virtually uninterrupted basis throughout the entire year, thereby minimising disruption to our students' study patterns. This is particularly important over the long school summer holiday period where gaps of 6 weeks or so could apply.

If you are interested in joining the evening classes, starting a correspondence course, or would simply like any further information, please email us via this website or call us on

01506 439783