Taxi Training
This page outlines the essential requirements, procedures, and expectations for the Taxi Driving Test. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure they are well-prepared and that their vehicle meets all legal standards prior to arrival.
No L's offers comprehensive taxi training designed to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge for a successful career in the taxi industry. If you're interested in enhancing your abilities and would like to book a training session, please click the button below to request a call back from our team. We look forward to helping you embark on this exciting journey!
1. Preparation and Attendance
- Vehicle Requirements: You must provide your own vehicle for the test. It is your responsibility to ensure the vehicle is roadworthy and legally compliant.
- Punctuality: Candidates must be present at the start time of the test. The examiner will allow a maximum grace period of 10 minutes. Beyond this time, the test will be forfeited, and no refunds will be issued.
- Required Documentation: You must present a valid photocard driving licence. If you hold an old-style paper licence, you must also provide a valid passport. Failure to produce these documents will result in immediate cancellation and loss of fee.
2. The Assessment Process
Initial Eyesight Test
Before driving, you must read a number plate from a distance of 20 metres (new-style) or 20.5 metres (old-style). Failure to pass this test will terminate the driving portion of the assessment.
Practical Driving (30–40 Minutes)
The drive covers various road conditions and focuses on vehicle control rather than specific steering methods. The assessment includes:
- Independent Driving: 10 minutes of driving without turn-by-turn directions.
- Passenger Simulation: Stops at the roadside to simulate picking up or dropping off passengers.
- Taxi Manoeuvre: Turning the vehicle to face the opposite direction via a three-point turn, a U-turn (where legal), or a left reverse into a side road. Note: Reversing out of a side road, mounting the pavement, or using driveways is prohibited.
- Theory/Practical Knowledge: Questions on the Highway Code, road markings, traffic signs, and procedures for lost property.
- Scoring
- Pass: 9 or fewer minor faults.
- Fail: Any single serious or dangerous fault.
3. Equipment and Technology
- Satellite Navigation: Use is permitted, but all sound must be muted, including alerts for speed cameras or speed changes.
- Cameras/Dashcams: External-facing cameras for insurance purposes are allowed. However, they must not record audio or video of the vehicle's interior. Note: Footage will not be reviewed to challenge test results. Unauthorised recording will result in the immediate termination of the test.
4. Enhanced Assessment (Wheelchair Exercise)
If undertaking the enhanced assessment, you must provide a wheelchair-accessible vehicle. You will be required to demonstrate:
- Safe loading and unloading procedures.
- Correct use of wheelchair brakes, seatbelts, safety harnesses, and vehicle clamps.
5. Observers
You may bring an observer, provided they do not interfere or prompt you (verbally or otherwise). The examiner retains the right to refuse an observer or ask them to leave at any point; failure to comply will terminate the test.
6. At the end of the Taxi Test
When you pass your taxi assessment, you’ll get:
- a pass certificate
- a copy of your assessment
- a debrief from the examiner
- If you fail the assessment you’ll get:
- a debrief from the examiner
- a copy of your assessment
