Taxi Test - Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Assessment Test

To pass you are permitted to accumulate up to 9 driving faults. If you accumulate 10 or more driving faults you will fail. Any serious or dangerous faults will be immediately recorded as a failure. The test will continue finally returning to the driving test centre. The taxi assessment test is reflective of modern driving practises, the standard is set at a level suitable for full driving licence holders, it is important that you do not adjust your driving to what you may feel the examiner would expect to see, do not drive in an unnatural manner.

IMPORTANT

You must bring the following items:
1. An appropriately insured and taxed / licensed vehicle suitable for the road.
2. A valid signed GB or Northern Ireland driving licence
3. The new style photo licence or valid passport (The passport doesn't have to be UK but it must be valid)

• You may be asked to do an emergency stop, you will need to demonstrate that you can stop as in an emergency, promptly and under control (avoiding skidding) and move off safely with good all round effective observations.

• You will be asked to carry out two manoeuvres, one of which will be of your own choice. In both cases you will be expected demonstrate your ability to manoeuvre your vehicle under control and with good all round effective observations, giving considerations to other road users and pedestrians.

• You will be asked on a number of occasions to pull up on the left at a safe and convenient place, as if a fare is either going to get in or out of your vehicle. Avoid parking next to lampposts and trees - this could be potentially hazardous for your passengers.

• Whenever you have been stationary at the side of the road , remember your important safety checks - check your blind spot (look over your right shoulder) before pulling away.

• You need to use all your mirrors effectively (Interior and exterior) and at the appropriate times, you should demonstrate that you are aware of what is happening around your vehicle at all times.

• You need to signal correctly and in good time to let other road users know you intention - other road users need to see and understand what you plan to do.

• You will be expected to understand and comply with traffic signs and road markings, as they are there to help you anticipate and plan your journey. You will also need those and react to signals given by the police, traffic wardens etc. and signals given by other road users.

• You must be able to demonstrate your ability to make progress when the speed signs and the road and traffic conditions dictate it is safe to do so. Equally it is important to demonstrate that you recognise and comply when in a lower speed limit area.

• Watch you separation distance fro the vehicle in front and also you separation distance from parked cars.

• Use sound judgement and planning when overtaking, meeting oncoming vehicles and when turning right in front of oncoming traffic. At no time be in a situation where you cause another vehicle to brake or swerve to avoid you.

• Demonstrate that you are aware of other road users at all times, plan ahead, predict how the actions of others will affect your driving and react in good time. Be aware of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists etc. act in good time, rather than at the last moment.

The DSA Say:

It is important that you read the Highway Code and be familiar with your vehicle. It is strongly advisable to consider taking professional instruction prior to taking the test.