Taxi Test

You 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

The assessments are no longer carried out by DVSA examiners, but are now conducted by the Blue Lamp Trust. Details can be found here - www.bluelamptrust.org.uk/Driver_Training/taxi_guide.html

What the assessment involves:

The assessment lasts for about 45 minutes.

Eyesight test -
    At the start, you’ll have to read a number plate from a distance of 20 metres . You must use glasses or contact lenses during the whole test if you need them to read the number plate.

Practical assessment -

The assessment will include:

   Two manoeuvres, chosen by the examiner, from a) three point turn b) reverse round a corner c) parallel parking    d) bay parking

   around 10 minutes of driving without being given turn-by-turn directions by the examiner (for example, by          following signs to the town centre)

   stops at the side of the road as if a passenger is getting in or out

   related questions, eg what to do if a passenger leaves property in your vehicle

   questions from the Highway Code and identifying traffic signs and road markings

   You might also be asked to do an emergency stop.


You’ll pass the assessment if you make 9 faults or fewer. You’ll fail if you make a serious or dangerous fault, even if you have less than 9 total faults.

 
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
 
You’re allowed to use a hire car to take the test, and you're allowed to use a driving instructors car for the test

If it has a private hire plate, the number must be the same as on the plate inside the vehicle.

It must also be wheelchair accessible if you’re taking the enhanced test (eg London-style ‘black cabs’).

 
Documents you must bring -

   You must bring your photocard driving licence - the paper counterpart is no longer required since July 2015.

   You must take your signed driving licence and a valid passport if you have an old-style paper licence.

 

Passing the assessment - 

When you pass your taxi assessment, you’ll get:

   a pass certificate 

   a copy of your assessment

   a debrief from the examiner


When you pass your wheelchair assessment, you’ll get:
 
   a pass certificate)

   a copy of your assessment

   a debrief from the examiner


Your local council will tell you what to do when you’ve passed the assessment.

 

Failing the assessment -

If you fail the assessment you’ll get:

   a debrief from the examiner

   a copy of your assessment

You must wait at least 3 clear working days before you retake the assessment. Sundays and public holidays don’t count as working days.