What happens during the test?

You will take your taxi driver practical test driving on both rural and urban roads. You will be driving for at least one hour. You must satisfy the examiner that:

• you know how to drive
• that you have a good knowledge of road safety standards and that you can apply them in practice
• you can drive a taxi well, taking into account passengers’ comfort and safety

During the test you must be willing to allow the examiner and any supervising examiner to travel in the car.

Passing the taxi practical driving test

In order to pass the test you must not get any more than 15 driving faults (fewer if the faults are serious). If you get one serious or dangerous fault or 16 or more driving faults you will fail the test.

You must also satisfy the examiner that you:

• have the right driving licence for the vehicle you are using for the test
• have enough mechanical knowledge of the vehicle you are using for the test
• are aware of passenger comfort and safety
• can deal with emergencies
• can drive the vehicle safely
• know and can apply the Highway Code
• can carry out two manoeuvres chosen for you by the examiner
• can drive independently of directions from the examiner for about 10 minutes during which you must make safe and relevant decisions
• can drive in an eco-safe way (this assessment will be advisory only and will not affect the result of the test)

A taxi driver licence will only be issued once all requirements have been met.

Applying for a taxi driving licence.

The taxi theory test – practice papers.

Taxi driver practical test.