Driver trainers are occasionally approached by prospective taxi drivers in relation to the occupational driving test. The requirements of the test are often not full understood by driver trainers. This is a guide outlining the main requirements of the occupational test for taxi drivers.
Those considering a career as a taxi driver should approach their local authority to find out about licensing requirements. Hackney carriages and vehicles used for private hire will have different requirements. A Hackney carriage can be driven by any badge holder and be hailed from the pavement. Private hire vehicles can only be booked in advance and are not permitted to simply pick up passengers.
As working professionals, taxi drivers have a responsibility to maintain a high standard of driving. They are responsible for the safety and comfort of passengers as they are picked up and dropped off as well as during the actual journey. To be eligible to apply for the taxi drivers assessment you must have a medical check which includes an eyesight test, reading a standard new style number plate from a distance of twenty metres. A Criminal Records Bureau check will be required as you will be working directly with the public. The number of penalty points on your license would be taken into account during the application.
There are two types of assessment available. The standard driving assessment and the enhanced assessment which includes a wheelchair exercise. Both will require a period of about ten minutes of independent driving. Instructors need to make sure the candidate is competent to read route direction signs well in advance as no directions will be given by the examiner. This section is similar to the standard learner test.
Particular attention will be paid to moving off and stopping exercises. Taxi drivers make predominantly short journeys dropping customers off in busy locations so it is important to pick a place which is convenient for your passengers and other road users but does not compromise safety. This can be tricky when dropping people off on congested main roads.
Driver trainers may not be familiar with the occupational questions you will be asked. The relevant authority will be able to advise you on what learning materials are available for this part of the test. Questions will also be asked regarding the highway code so you will need to study this. An emergency stop may be required on the assessment but this is not definite and is at the discretion of the examiner.
One item that is not covered during standard driver training is the wheelchair exercise included on the enhanced assessment. You will need to show that you can safely load and unload the wheelchair from your vehicle and demonstrate the use of the wheelchair brakes to secure and release it. You will need to fasten the seat belts or safety harness and secure any wheel clamps or belts fitted to your vehicle.
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