The Taxi Driver Test
What's involved in the hackney or private hire driving assessment
The standard of the hackney carriage (taxi) or private hire vehicle driver assessment is set at a level suitable for a full driving licence holder. It is therefore higher than the learner driver test.
The eyesight test
At the start of your practical assessment, you will be asked to read in good daylight a vehicle registration number fixed to a motor vehicle with letters and figures 79.4 millimetres high at a distance of 20.5 metres (20 metres for a new style number plate). You can use glasses or contact lenses if you wear them.
If you fail the eyesight test, you will be unable to take the driving part of the assessment. However, you will still be able to continue with the wheelchair section of the test, if appropriate.
The practical assessment
The practical assessment (driving test) will last for about 35 - 40 minutes, depending on traffic. Some of the skills you will be assessed on are specific to taxi drivers, such as making 'U' turns and not stopping anywhere that could be dangerous for a passenger getting out of your vehicle. The examiner will also ask you a few questions on the Highway Code and ask you to identify some traffic signs and road markings.
During the practical assessment, you will be examined on:
- your awareness and anticipation
- your effective planning of prevailing road and traffic conditions
- your correct use of speed
- an emergency stop (there will be one in the assessment)
- a manoeuver involving reversing
- a taxi or private hire related exercise
- your passenger safety and comfort
- a wheelchair element (for wheelchair enhanced vehicles if you requested the enhanced assessment)
If you are taking the taxi or black cab style test, you will also need to answer some related "cabology" questions. Examples of these include the dimensions of your vehicle, it's correct tyre pressures and what you should do if a passenger leaves property behind.
You need to complete the assessment with no more than 9 minor faults to pass. You will be failled if you make any serious or dangerous errors.
The wheelchair exercise
If you asked to take the enhanced assessment, your assessment will also include the wheelchair exercise.
Next page: Wheelchair Exercise
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