DVSA Taxi Driving Test - Private Hire

Y ou might need to pass the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) taxi assessment to drive a taxi or private hire vehicle (PHV)

- contact your local council to find out if you need to.

There are 3 types of assessment you can take:

• the standard driving assessment
• the enhanced assessment - this includes a wheelchair exercise
• the upgrade assessment if you've done the standard assessment and now want to do the wheelchair exercise

Many Borough Councils require potential Taxi Drivers to pass a driving test as one of the qualifications in becoming licensed.

Our trainers are all very experienced ADIs with experience in the Taxi testing and are therefore extremely capable of helping you pass the Taxi Test.  The trainer will assess your current ability, highlight areas in need of improvement and provide relevant guidance so you will only pay for what training is required.

What the assessment involves

Eyesight test
At the start, you'll have to read a number plate from a distance of:

• 20 metres for vehicles with a new-style number plate
• 20.5 metres for vehicles with an old-style number plate
• New-style number plates start with 2 letters followed by 2 numbers, eg AB51 ABC.

You must use glasses or contact lenses during the whole test if you need them to read the number plate.

You can't take the driving part of the assessment if you fail the eyesight test.  You can still do the wheelchair exercise if you're taking the enhanced assessment.

Practical assessment

The assessment will last for about 40 minutes and include:

• a manoeuvre where you'll be asked to turn your vehicle to face the opposite direction: You will be asked to carry out the manoeuvre of your choice, demonstrating satisfactory control and effective observation giving consideration to other road users.
• around 10 minutes of driving without being given turn-by-turn directions by the examiner: This may mean following road signs and road markings or a series of verbal directions or a combination of both
• stops at the side of the road as if a passenger is getting in or out: You will be expected to pull up in a safe and convenient place on a number of occasions.
• questions relating to the Highway Code including identifying traffic signs and road markings, plus what to do if a passenger leaves property in your vehicle
• You might also be asked to do an emergency stop.
• You'll pass the assessment if you make 9 driving faults or fewer.  However, you'll fail if you make one serious or dangerous fault

Wheelchair exercise

You'll have to do a wheelchair exercise if you're taking the enhanced assessment - you'll need to bring a wheelchair accessible vehicle.

You'll need to show your ability to:

• safely load and unload the wheelchair in your vehicle
• use the wheelchair brakes to secure and release it
• fasten the seat belts or safety harness
• secure any wheel belts or clamps fitted to your vehicle

Vehicle requirements
Your vehicle must meet the same requirements as the car practical driving test, except it can't have L-plates ('L' or 'D' plates in Wales).

Further details can be found at Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) taxi assessment