More aspiring cabbies who have difficulties with the English language are sent for English courses by the Singapore Taxi Academy (STA). The STA requires a minimum N-level pass in English, or a Level 3 under WDA's Workplace Literacy Programme to improve English among workers to qualify for a taxi licence, on top of a competency test.

The course is run by private education institution, Kaplan, which is conducted across 15 three-hour sessions, with an average class size of 15 to 20 students.

Ronald Tan, a trainer at Kaplan, told The Straits Times that as most students hardly communicate in English daily, initial lessons are aimed to provide them with a foundation in English, while subsequent lessons will focus on improving speaking and listening skills. During the lessons, role-playing is conducted on scenarios taxi drivers are likely to face in their job. Additionally students also learn to ask for and give directions, on top of recognising the names of key landmarks and places of interest.

"We focus more on fluency, instead of being grammatical. What's more important is their ability to be understood by others," Mr Tan told the local paper.

The course costs $480 and is largely funded by the Workforce Development Agency (WDA). Drivers only pay $24, while Comfort covers the amount for its drivers. Kaplan has held negotiations with other taxi operators to include their drivers in the course.