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Who can become a taxi or private hire driver

To become a taxi or private hire vehicle driver you must:

• be able to work legally in the UK
• hold either a full UK driver's licence issued by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, or a full European Union driving licence together with a UK paper counterpart

Other requirements may include paying a fee and passing a:

• criminal record check
• medical
• 'knowledge' test, to prove you have reasonable geographical knowledge of the area in which you intend to drive
• Driving Standards Agency (DSA) practical taxi test

DSA practical taxi test

Some local authority areas also require drivers to take a DSA taxi test. The test standard is set at a level suitable for full driving licence holders, which is higher than the learner driver test.

Eyesight test

Before the practical taxi test, your examiner will ask you to read the number plate on a stationary vehicle. You can use glasses or contact lenses if you wear them. If you fail the eyesight test, you will be unable to take the driving part of the assessment. However, you will still be able to continue with the wheelchair section if appropriate.

• Driving eyesight requirements

Practical test

The practical taxi test will last for 35 to 40 minutes. Some skills assessed are specific to taxi drivers, such as:

• making U-turns
• not stopping where it could be dangerous for a passenger getting out of your vehicle

The examiner will also ask you some questions on the Highway Code and ask you to identify some traffic signs and road markings.

Your practical driving test will include approximately ten minutes of independent driving. This is designed to assess your ability to drive safely while making decisions independently.

• Independent driving and riding section of the practical test

Wheelchair excercise

If the licensing authority require you to take the wheelchair assessment as part of your test you'll need to show you know how to:

• operate the entry ramp
• secure your passengers safely

What happens at the end of the test

To pass the taxi driving test you need to complete it with no more than nine minor faults. You will fail if you make any serious or dangerous errors.

If you fail the practical test you must wait a minimum period of three clear working days between tests. There is no limit to the number of attempts you may take.

You can get more information on the DSA taxi test by asking the local council in the area where you wish to operate.

• The DSA driving assessment for taxis and private hire vehicles Opens new window

• Taxi licensing authorities

More useful links

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