1. Private Hire - Taxi Training in Hinckley Leicester and Leicestershire

 

Welcome to Access Driving Tuition's Private Hire / Taxi practical test / assessment page.

 

This section is designed to help answer questions regarding the DVSA, Local council authorities requirements on obtaining your Private Hire (PHV) / Hackney Carriage (Taxi) licence. Access Driving Tuition Private Hire Taxi training is fully experienced in Taxi and Private Hire training. we're proud to be able to say we have a 100% first time pass rate. We strongly recommend at least 6 hours with one of our trainers to fully prepare yourself for your practical Private Hire / Taxi test / practical assessment. Licensing regulations for taxi drivers differ from one local authority to another. To learn about the exact licensing arrangements in the area you wish to operate as a taxi driver you should contact the relevant local authority.

Please also note the practical test is usually referred to as the assessment.

Initially to become a Taxi or a PHV driver, you need to check specific training requirements with your local authority, as these can vary from area to area. There are, however, some standard requirements in order to commence training.

First of all you must be able to legally work in the UK, and secondly you must have held a full UK driving licence for at least 12 months. You may also need to undertake a DBS check to ensure you are a "fit and proper person", a medical examination, and a knowledge test / theory test. In some districts, you will need to take a topography test (route planning) to ensure you are completely familiar with the local area. Details of this can be obtained from your local council authority.

The practical assessment: First of all you must complete an eyesight test, in which you'll be required to read a vehicle registration plate in good daylight from a distance of 20 metres. If you cannot do this, you will not be able to take the practical assessment any further.

The practical assessment is a test designed for experienced drivers, which assumes that the candidate will demonstrate a high level of driving ability. The  assessment lasts for 35-40 minutes. You must not accumulate more than 9 minor faults and commit any serious faults.

 

The test will require you to carry out 'turning the car around in the road' manoeuvring exercise. 

The examiner will select a section of road where there are various options available to do this. You will have to select the safest and most appropriate method of turning the car around. Methods you can choose from are:


Turn in the road

U-turn within the width of the road

Using the mouth of a junction on the left or right

Reversing into a side road on your left or right

 

When performing any of the above you must make sure you do not mount or hit the kerb or use a private driveway. All manoeuvres must be  done safely and under control.


You will be asked to perform 2 of the following manoeuvres:

Turn in the road

Left or right reverse from major to minor road

Bay parking

Parallel parking  


Please note 1 in 3 candidates will be asked to do the emergency stop  


The Independent Drive

Independent driving forms part of the practical driving test. It requires the test candidate to drive without being given directions from the assessor, either following a series of street directions, following traffic signs, or a combination of both, for about ten minutes.

Routine Stops

As this is common practice when driving a taxi the examiner will require you to perform two or three stops. You should: Pull up at a reasonable distance from the kerb where it is safe, legal and convenient Apply the handbrake Select neutral gear Ensure there are no obstructions, such as a street lights, that would stop a passenger opening the door


During the test you'll be assessed on awareness, and planning, correct use of speed, mirror use, vehicle control, consideration for other road users, and passenger safety and comfort.

 

If you request a wheelchair enhanced test you'll also demonstrate loading / unloading a wheelchair from your vehicle, securing the wheelchair with wheelchair brakes, fastening seatbelts or harnesses across the wheelchair.



When you pass your assessment you will receive a certificate, and a copy of the assessment sheet.


 

Cost of Hackney / PHV training is £30.00 per hour using your own car or £35.00 per hour using one of our school cars.

Test fees are £87.00 for a weekday Hackney / PHV, or £87.00 for Hackney / PHV weekend test. Wheelchair enhanced test costs £117.00.

(The assessments are conducted by Bluelamptrust.org.uk)

 

If you have any question please do not hesitate to contact us.

Please call us for free on 0800 0421 421 or you can call and text us on 07970 204010.

Alternatively you can:

Request a Call Back

Email Us

Or Book Online

 


Blue Lamp Trust Private Hire and Taxi FAQ