As a former DSA taxi trained examiner. I provide potential taxi drivers with the knowledge and skills to pass the DVSA or local authority taxi test.

To become a taxi driver you need a licence from your local authority to drive a hackney carriage (taxi) or private hire vehicle (PHV).

Some authorities will require you to pass a taxi or private hire vehicle driving assessment before they will consider granting you a licence.

Assessments are carried out by Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) examiners. The assessment is more demanding than the learner drivers test, and contains elements that relate specifically to driving a taxi or PHV.

This guide explains how to book your taxi assessment with the DVSA, and what the test involves. It also explains what to do if you want to change or cancel a test booking.

Subjects covered in this guide

• Introduction
• Driving assessments and general requirements for getting a taxi or private hire vehicle licence
• How to book your taxi or private hire vehicle assessment
• What the taxi or private hire vehicle driving assessment involves
• The wheelchair exercise for taxis and private hire vehicles
• What happens at the end of the taxi or private hire vehicle assessment