The knowledge

Becoming a London taxi driver isn’t easy. In order to obtain a licence to drive a taxi in London, candidates have to pass a detailed examination. They have to learn not only the streets, landmarks and hotels, but also the quickest way to get there. This is called ‘ The Knowledge’ by London cab drivers and it can take years of study and practice to get ‘The Knowledge’. Candidates are examined not only on the quickest routes but also on the quickest routes at different times of the day. People who want to pass the examination spend much of their free time driving or even cycling around London studying maps and learning the huge street directory by heart.

(from Streamline English. Destinations, by B.Hartley, P.Viney. Unit 59)

UNIT 3

Lesson A

Hiring a car

Salesman: 773141.

Customer: Oh hello, is that Self Drive Car Hire?

Salesman: Yes, speaking. Can I help you?

Customer: Oh yes, please. Erm... I wanted to enquire about hiring a car for the weekend.

Salesman: Mm-mm. Yes. Well we do have special weekend rates, in fact, so... what kind of car would you like to have?

Customer: Well, it’s... I’m not sure. Erm... what would be the best kind for a family of four...erm...plus space for camping equipment? We’re going on a camping holiday.

Salesman: Yes. I would think you would need something like an Allegro or Marina Estate or perhaps a Maxi. (I see) That’d be best I think.

Customer: Yes. Erm...we’d be leaving on Friday, that’s Friday July 7^th (Yes) and returning on the Monday (Yes) that’s... that’s July 10^th.

Salesman: Yes, that’s fine provided you pick up the car after 4 o’clock on the Friday and return it by 10 o’clock on the Monday.

Customer: Ah-ha. I have to pick it up after 4 on Friday but return it before 10 (That’s right) on Monday. (Yes) I see. Erm... could you tell me the basic cost?

Salesman: It’s £29.25 (Mm-mm) and the first three hundred miles are free but after that you have to pay 5 ¹/₂ per mile.

Customer: So that’s 5 1/2p extra (Mm-mm) after the first hundred miles.

Salesman: Over three hundred miles yes (I see) and £29.25.

Customer: Right, thank you. Erm...is there...is it any extra for two drivers because my husband might want to drive as well?

Salesman: Yes, we do charge an extra £2.50 for each extra driver.

Customer: I see. OK. Erm... and what about...er... VAT. Is that included?

Salesman: No I’m afraid that’s not included. You’d have to add VAT at 15 per cent to that price.

Customer: Mm-mm. Er...what about insurance? Is that included in the cost?

Salesman: Yes, yes, that’s all included.

Customer: I see. OK thank you very much indeed.

Salesman: OK. Pleasure.

Customer: Bye-bye.

Salesman: Bye-bye.

Дата добавления: 2015-11-16