DVSA taxi driving test
You might need to pass the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) 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
Contact your local council to find out if you need to take the test.
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 or less faults. 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
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.
