The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) used to provide practical tests for taxi driving for local councils, but this service stopped on 1 January 2017. Despite this, depending on where you wish to operate a taxi, you may still need to complete a practical test. It’s important to contact your local authority to find out if this is the case.
In London, TfL has created a temporary arrangement where licenses are issued to those that pass the final exam, but one the condition that they complete an assessment when a new solution is confirmed. However, in Northern Ireland, the taxi driver practical test examines your actual driving ability, as well as your understanding of road safety and transporting passengers, amongst other criteria.
Apart from practical tests, you may also be required to pass a theory test to become a licensed taxi driver. The theory testing procedure varies depending on your location. In Northern Ireland, you must complete the theoretical test before taking the practical test, involving answering multiple-choice questions and passing a hazard perception exam. Other UK regions such as Thurrock Council in England require both hackney carriage and private hire drivers to pass a multiple-choice theory test that examines the highway code, road signs, routes, and more.
Since 2016, London authorities have made it compulsory for applicants of private hire driver licenses to meet an English language requirement. One way to achieve this is by taking a test with a provider appointed by TfL or providing documentary evidence of your English language ability, such as a GCSE, NVQ, A Level, or a degree certificate in any subject taught in English. Depending on your location, you may or may not have to meet an English language requirement.
The costs for getting a taxi driver and private hire license in London vary depending on the type of license. To become a taxi driver in London, you can expect to pay in the region of £1,132.09 at a minimum. To become a private hire driver, you can expect to pay £627.50 or more, plus the GP fee for the medical. Costs outside of London can vary depending on the area in which you want to operate, so it’s essential to contact your local council to find out more.
For instance, if you want to become a licensed taxi driver in Northern Ireland, the theory test costs £34, while the practical test costs £60 on weekdays, and £90 on evenings and weekends. Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council charges a fee of £70 for hackney carriage, private hire, and executive hire knowledge tests, and the license fee for hackney carriage is £175 for one year and £215 for three years. City and County of Swansea charges £236 for a license and badge, £29 per attempt for a knowledge test, and £44 for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) application.
