1. Taxi Tuition and Taxi Training in Leicester and Leicestershire

 

Welcome to Access Driving Tuition's Taxi assessment page.

 

This section is designed to help answer questions regarding the DSA Hackney Carriage (Taxi), and Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) practical test. Access taxi training is fully experienced in taxi and private hire courses, and we're proud to be able to say we have a 100% first time pass rate. We strongly recommend at least 5 hours with one of our trainers to fully prepare you for your practical taxi test / assessment.

Initially to become a taxi / 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 CRB check to ensure you are a "fit and proper person", a medical examination, and a "knowledge test" to ensure you are completely familiar with the local area. Details of this can be obtained from your local authority, along with the costs involved.

Differences between Taxi and PHV: taxi's can stand on a taxi rank, and also pick up fares in the street. PHV drivers can only carry paying passengers if pre booked, i.e. airport runs. PHV and taxi vehicles are limited to 8 passengers. PHV vehicles must not resemble a "London Cab", and cannot display the words "Taxi" or "For Hire".

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 ability. The practical assessment lasts for 35-40 minutes, which will include a reversing exercise (turn in the road/reverse left) possibly a U turn, 10 minutes of independent driving, which involves following road signs, or route diagrams towards a particular destination. During the test you'll be assessed on awareness, and planning, correct use of speed, mirror use, vehicle control, and passenger safety and comfort. You may also be asked to perform an emergency stop. You'll also be asked some "Cabology" questions such as vehicle dimensions, tyre pressures, and lost property in vehicles. There will also be some highway code questions. For a wheelchair enhanced test you must provide a chair and suitable vehicle.

If you request a wheelchair enhanced test you'll also demonstrate loading/unloading a wheelchair from the vehicle, securing the wheelchair with wheelchair brakes, fastening seatbelts or harnesses across the wheelchair. If you pass your test you receive a certificate, and a debrief, and a copy of the assessment, if you do not pass you receive a debrief and a copy of the assessment.

 

Prices

 

Cost of Hackney/PHV training is £30.00 per hour

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

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