What plans it has to nationally standardise licensed taxi (a) licensing, (b) testing and (c) retesting rules across all local authorities.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-35156 on 27 February 2025. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers.The Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 gives local licensing authorities a wide range of discretion over the types of vehicle that they can licence as taxis or private hire cars (PHCs).Chapter 5 (Vehicles) of the Scottish Government best practice guidance for local licensing authorities and taxi and PHC operators on the licensing of taxis and PHCs and their drivers, provides further details of the powers that licensing authorities have: https://www.gov.scot/publications/taxi-private-hire-car-licensing-best-practice-licensing-authorities-taxi-private-hire-car-operators-3rd-edition/pages/7/.The legal requirement for taxis requires that they should be subject to an MOT test or its equivalent one year after first registration and annually thereafter. For private hire cars, annual MOT testing should commence after the vehicle is three years old. It is a matter for licensing authorities as to what requirements may exist over and above these legal requirements.The Scottish Government recognises taxis and PHCs are an important link to the public transport chain, filling gaps in overall transport provision not least for those who do not have access to a car. Local licensing authorities are best placed to consider the role that taxis and PHCs play in public transport and ensure that the licensing system in place is appropriate, takes into account local circumstances and meets the need of local communities.