Taxi Test

Before you are issued with a Hackney Carriage or Private Hire Drivers Licence you must pass a Hackney Carriage/Private Hire test assessment.

You must provide a roadworthy vehicle suitable for the purpose of the test, which must include head restraints and seat belts.

EYESIGHT

At the start of your taxi assessment test you will be asked to read in good daylight (with the aid of glasses or contact lenses if worn) a registration plate with letters and figures 79.4 millimetres high at a distance of 20.5 metres (20 metres for a new style number plate). If you fail the eyesight test, you will not be allowed to take the driving test but will still be allowed to continue with the wheelchair aspect of the test.

 

PRACTICAL TAXI TEST

The test lasts for about 40 minutes.

You will be examined on the following: awareness and anticipation, effective planning, correct use of speed and in one out of every three tests an emergency stop. You will also need to do a manoeuvre involving reversing, Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Car related exercise, passenger safety and comfort, and a wheelchair element (for Black Cab test only)

WHEELCHAIR TEST

If you are taking the taxi test with the wheelchair exercise you should also be able to:

Demonstrate your ability to securely erect the wheelchair ramps and floor ramp etc, safely install the wheelchair in your vehicle, secure seat belts/safety harnesses and also secure any wheel belts/clamps fitted to your vehicle. You will also show you can reverse the process by taking off the belts, harnesses and clamps, taking the wheelchair out of the vehicle and putting the ramps away at the end.

IF YOU PASS

On passing the taxi test you will receive a pass certificate, the offer of a debrief, and a copy of the assessment. If you pass the driving element of the taxi test you will receive a TPH10 certificate. If you pass the wheelchair element you will receive a WTA10 certificate.

IF YOU DON'T PASS

If you fail the test you will receive the offer of a debrief, a copy of the examiner's assessment and advice about further training. You may retake the test again but must wait a minimum period of three clear working days before your next test. There is no limit to the number of times you can take the taxi test.

You are advised to get professional taxi instruction before attempting the taxi test.