North East Scotland College (NESCol) is working with Uber on a bespoke training programme aimed at increasing the number of private hire drivers in Aberdeen.
The pilot course, which has been running since late 2025, is designed to help prospective drivers prepare for and pass the Street Knowledge Test, a long-standing barrier to entry that has contributed to driver shortages in the city.
Responding to the partnership, NESCol assistant principal for curriculum and commercial development Duncan Abernethy told the Press & Journal: “Following discussions with Uber, we were able to deliver to a cohort of prospective drivers as a pilot.
“The workforce development team is able to tailor provision to bridge specific gaps and the partnership with Uber is a good example of that approach in action."
An Uber spokesperson said: “There is a long-standing and well-documented shortage of drivers in the city, and the Street Knowledge test remains a huge factor in that.
“We’ve been working with Nescol to help people study for the test and have the best chance of passing.
“This not only creates an opportunity for people to become local drivers and have a new earning opportunity, it also helps meet the huge demand from local people for safe, affordable rides.”