They learned how to better serve disabled customers, cope with children on board, deal with difficult people and generally offer a service with a smile.
The course is funded by the government’s Train to Gain initiative. The students are all Bedford Borough Council-approved taxi or private hire car drivers.
The course is administered by Bedford College and delivered by ABA Training Ltd tutor Eirian Baker and a team of qualified assessors, as part of the Bedfordshire and Luton Opportunities Consortium.
Anne Howes, training manager at ABA, said: “We are very proud of all the drivers who have shown such dedication and enthusiasm in successfully completing the course.
"This course has been a real success and much of that is due to the way drivers have supported and encouraged each other in taking up the challenge of learning new skills to improve their service.
“We hope the rest of the Bedford drivers will now be encouraged to come along.”
A further course is due to take place later this year.
Keith Simmons, head of registration and records at Bedford Borough Council, said: "It is really impressive to see so many drivers take up this course, which sets out to raise the standards for local taxi firms.
"The days of picking up a two way radio from a cab office and starting work as a taxi driver are long gone. This qualification helps to recognise this while providing an opportunity for these drivers to strengthen their skills."
