DVSA taxi driving test

DVSA taxi and private hire vehicle assessment

    The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) have merged to form the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

    You might need to pass the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) taxi assessment to drive a taxi or private hire vehicle (PHV) – contact your local council to find out if you need to.

    There are 3 types of assessment you can take:

    • the standard driving assessment
    • the enhanced assessment – this includes a wheelchair exercise
    • the upgrade assessment if you’ve done the standard assessment and now want to do the wheelchair exercise

    Book your test

    1. Contact your local council to find out if you need to take the test.

    2. Book your test with DSA if you have to take it.

    What the assessment involves

    The assessment lasts for about 40 minutes.

    Eyesight test

    At the start, you’ll have to read a number plate from a distance of:

    • 20 metres for vehicles with a new-style number plate
    • 20.5 metres for vehicles with an old-style number plate

    New-style number plates start with 2 letters followed by 2 numbers, eg AB51 ABC.

    You must use glasses or contact lenses during the whole test if you need them to read the number plate.

    You can’t take the driving part of the assessment if you fail the eyesight test. You can still do the wheelchair exercise if you’re taking the enhanced assessment.

    Practical assessment

    The assessment will include:

    • a manoeuvre where you’ll be asked to turn your vehicle to face the opposite direction
    • around 10 minutes of driving without being given turn-by-turn directions by the examiner
    • stops at the side of the road as if a passenger is getting in or out
    • related questions, eg what to do if a passenger leaves property in your vehicle
    • questions from the Highway Code and identifying traffic signs and road markings

    You might also be asked to do an emergency stop.

    You’ll pass the assessment if you make 9 faults or fewer. You’ll fail if you make a serious or dangerous fault.

    Wheelchair exercise

    You’ll have to do a wheelchair exercise if you’re taking the enhanced assessment – you’ll need to bring a wheelchair accessible vehicle.

    You’ll need to show your ability to:

    • safely load and unload the wheelchair in your vehicle
    • use the wheelchair brakes to secure and release it
    • fasten the seat belts or safety harness
    • secure any wheel belts or clamps fitted to your vehicle

    Vehicle requirements

    Your vehicle must meet the same requirements as the car practical driving test, except it can’t have L-plates (‘L’ or ‘D’ plates in Wales).

    You’re allowed to use a hire car to take the test.

    If it has a private hire plate, the number must be the same as on the plate inside the vehicle.

    It must also be wheelchair accessible if you’re taking the enhanced test (eg London-style ‘black cabs’).

    Documents you must bring

    You must bring both parts of your driving licence – the photocard and the paper counterpart.

    You must take your signed driving licence and a valid passport if you have an old-style paper licence.

    Passing the assessment

    When you pass your taxi assessment, you’ll get:

    • a pass certificate (form TPH10)
    • a copy of your assessment
    • a debrief from the examiner

    When you pass your wheelchair assessment, you’ll get:

    • a pass certificate (form WTA10)
    • a copy of your assessment
    • a debrief from the examiner

    Your local council will tell you what to do when you’ve passed the assessment.

    Failing the assessment

    If you fail the assessment you’ll get:

    • a debrief from the examiner
    • a copy of your assessment

    You must wait at least 3 clear working days before you retake the assessment. Sundays and public holidays don’t count as working days.