Private Hire Driver's Licences

In some council areas, before you are issued with a Hackney Carriage or Private Hire Drivers Licence you must pass a Hackney Carriage/Private Hire DSA test. The DSA strongly recommended that you take professional instruction prior to taking the test. At Flexdrive we are experianced in teaching the taxi requirements to "good" drivers - we all think we are better drivers than we actually are, this can sometimes require a very tactful approach. The Taxi test is reflective of modern driving practices. The standard is set at a level suitable for the full driving licence holder, but the test route is harder and longer than a normal learner test. To pass you are permitted to accumulate 9 minor driving faults above which you will fail. A minor driving fault for example is missing a mirror check before applying the signal or not checking into your blind spot before moving off from a parked position! Any serious or dangerous fault will obviously be a fail.

You must provide a roadworthy vehicle suitable for the purpose of the test, which must include head restraints and seat belts follow this link for more information on vehicles suitable for test. Obviously FlexDrive cars are suitable.

The Eyesight Test

At the start of your taxi assessment test you will be asked to read in good daylight (with the aid of glasses or contact lenses if worn) a registration mark fixed to a motor vehicle with letters and figures 79.4 millimetres high at a distance of 20.5 metres (20 metres for a new style number plate). If you fail the eyesight test, you will be unable to take the driving part but will still be able to continue with the wheelchair section.

For further information about the eyesight test click this link Eyesight test.

The practical test

During the test you should drive in a natural way, and should not adjust your driving to what you may feel the examiner would expect to see. The examiner will give you clear instructions which you should follow throughout the test.

You may be asked to do an emergency stop. (1 in every 3 tests) You will be asked to carry out two manoeuvres one of which will be your own choice, in both cases you will be expected to demonstrate your ability to manoeuvre your vehicle under control and with good all round observation. You will be asked on a number of occasions to pull up on the left at a safe and convenient place, as if a fare is either getting in or out of your vehicle. Avoid parking next to lamp posts or trees. Check your blind spot before moving off. You need to use all your mirrors, interior and exterior at all times.

You will be expected to :

understand and comply with traffic signs and road markings.
Keep a safe separation distance on all types of roads.
Use sound judgement and planning when overtaking, meeting and turning in front of oncoming traffic.

You will be asked basic safety check questions regarding your vehicle. Wheelchair accessible vehicles will be required to show you understand and are able to demonstrate safety and security. You will be asked questions on the Highway Code and asked to identify some traffic signs. Some general cabology questions such as the length and width of the cab you are driving or the tyre pressures for the vehicle you are with. what to do if you found an item of lost property in your cab! It is important that you read and understand the Highway Code and be familiar with your vehicle.

How Much?

£26 per hour and we will provide a copy of the highwaycode and a list of the actual Cabology test questions for revision.