Private Hire taxi test within the Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council and Medway Council, Kent area

What is the test?

If you want to drive a private hire car in the Tonbridge and Malling, or Medway area in Kent, you must pass a Driving Standards Agency, Taxi test. before you can apply to the council for a licence.This is a requirement of both councils.

Driving test forms are available from any local driving test centres, or you can apply online

The test is very similar to the 'L' test you will have taken some time previously, where you were expected to drive safely and follow the rules of the Highway Code.

The main differences from the 'L' test are:

• you will be asked a few questions on your Highway Code knowledge;
• you must not make more than nine minor driving faults;
• you will also have a 'taxi manoeuvre' this means that you will be told that you've received a call for a client, but you will have to go back in the opposite direction. You will then have the choice of a 'U' turn in the mouth of a junction; a turn-in-road or,reverse into a side road (either on the left or right.

When you have passed the Driving Test, you must then agree to a Criminal Records Bureau checks, and have a medical.

In our experience, although most drivers see their driving skills as 'above average', we feel that most drivers need some training sessions to pass the test. We also think its false economy to try the test without the taking any training. Some of our 'trainee' taxi drivers have taken 1 or 2 or more tests and failed before coming to us, only to realise that they need the training to be able to pass.

If you decide to book a course with us, we would initially give you an assessment of your current skills. We will give a written report on what areas you'd need to improve on, to pass the test.

For more information on becoming a private hire driver, contact: Private hire enquiries at Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council.

or

Medway Council email: licensing@medway.gov.uk