Taxi Driver Training

Qualified drivers who are looking to be issued with a Hackney Carriage or Private Hire Drivers Licence will benefit from the expertise and council approved tuition provided by Steering Clear. Steering Clear driver training methods, developed specifically for prospective taxi drivers, have produced very high pass rates.

The Practical Test

The taxi assessment test is reflective of modern driving practices. The standard is set at a level suitable for the full driving licence holder and is therefore higher than the learner driver test. To pass candidates are allowed to accumulate up to 9 minor driving faults. 10 or more minor faults and/or any serious or dangerous fault will result in failure.

At the start of the practical test candidates will be required to read the letters and figures (79.4 millimetres high) on a vehicle registration plate at a distance of 20.5 metres. For new style number plates the distance is 20 metres. Failure to pass this test will prevent candidates from continuing with the practical test.

During the test which normally lasts 40 minutes candidates will be examined on:

• awareness and anticipation of other road users
• correct and effective use of mirrors and signals
• understanding of and compliance with road signs and markings
• correct use of speed
• effective planning and response to prevailing road and traffic conditions including overtaking and meeting oncoming vehicles
• passenger safety and comfort
• two manoeuvres one involving reversing the other is a Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Car related exercise.

On Completion

Successful candidates will be issued with a TPH10 pass certificate and those successfully tested on the wheelchair element will receive a WTA10 certificate.

The cost of a one hour taxi driver training lesson with Steering Clear is £23.