Taxi Licensing Knowledge Test -Rushmore Borough Council

To apply for a hackney carriage or private hire vehicle drivers licence, applicants must pass a knowledge test. You will find further information about the knowledge test and the type questions involved here.
All first time applicants for either a hackney carriage or private hire vehicle drivers licence must pass a local knowledge test as part of their application. Presently, the knowledge test involves two distinct parts involving a question paper on local knowledge, local street directions and so on, together with a separate question paper on the 'highway code'. There are different numbers and types of questions that require to be answered dependant on whether the applicant intends to drive a hackney carriage or private hire vehicle.

For those intending to drive a hackney carriage, an applicant must answer 25/30 questions on local knowledge and 10/10 questions on the highway code correctly.

For those intending to drive a private hire vehicle, an applicant must answer 10/10 questions on local knowledge and 10/10 questions on the highway code correctly.

In both cases, question papers are drawn at random from a series of papers prepared by the Council's licensing officers. These are checked and revised periodically.

Future Developments

We are currently looking to update the knowledge test and provide a more rigorous scheme of testing of new applicants to the trade. As part of our review we are looking at the number and types of questions that will form part of the test. We are also looking into the possibility of having the test web-enabled. This means that applicants may, in the future, be able to practice and/or take their tests online.

http://www.rushmoor.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=5594

How to become a Taxi Driver - Hart District Council

This is a quick guide to explain the different types of licences available and the application process.

Hackney Carriage or private Hire?

Hackney Carriage vehicles, referred to as taxis, are fitted with a taxi top light and a fare meter and may be flagged down in the street by the public.  They are permitted to ply for hire at taxi ranks.

Private Hire vehicles operate differently, they are only permitted to take pre-booked passengers.  They may have a fare meter fitted.  Private hire vehicles cannot ply for hire.

There are three types of Driver's Licenses:

1.    Hackney Carriage
2.    Private Hire
3.    Combined Licence, which allows you to drive both classes of vehicles.

The licences can be issued yearly or three yearly.  There is a reduction in the fee for the three yearly licences.

All drivers must be aged twenty-one years and must complete the following:

Driving Standards Agency Driving Test

You will be provided with an application pack for this driving examination when you have submitted your application forms.  Briefly, all applicants must pass this diving test which is set at a level suitable for an experienced driver.  The standard is higher than the learner driver test, and it is important that you are prepared to answer questions on the Highway Code and traffic signs.  You are asked to visit the Driver Standards Agency website www.dsa.gov.uk for additional information.