Taxi Test

Before you are issued with a Hackney Carriage or Private Hire Drivers Licence you must pass a Hackney Carriage/Private Hire test. The test will last for about 35 to 40 minutes. During the test you should drive in a natural way, and should not adjust your driving to what you may feel the examiner would expect to see. During the practical test, you will be examined on the following:

• awareness and anticipation
• effective planning of prevailing road and traffic conditions
• correct use of speed
• emergency stop (one in three tests)
• a manoeuvre involving reversing
• Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Car related exercise
• passenger safety and comfort
• wheelchair element (for Black Cab style only)

The wheelchair exercise

If you are taking the taxi test with the wheelchair exercise you should also be able to:

• demonstrate your ability to securely erect the wheelchair ramps, floor ramp etc.
• safely install the wheelchair in your vehicle.
• secure seat belts/safety harness and also secure any wheel belts/clamps fitted to your vehicle.
• reverse the process by taking off the belts, harnesses and clamps, taking the wheelchair out of the vehicle and putting the ramps away.

DSA Taxi Test - 04/2006

ROSPA

ROSPA Advanced driving is about your ability to control the position and speed of the vehicle safely, systematically and smoothly, using road and traffic conditions to progress with skill and responsibility. This skill requires a positive but courteous attitude and a high standard of driving competence based on concentration, effective all round observation, anticipation, and planning. This must be coordinated with good handling skills.

Your vehicle should be in the right position on the road at the right time, travelling at the right speed with the correct gear engaged and must always be able to be stopped safely on the right side of the road in the distance that can be seen to be clear. There are 3 grades for passing the course Gold, Silver, and Bronze whilst all are achievable to get a Gold pass you must have a sound knowledge of Road Craft techniques which must be applied throughout the entirety of the test.

Diamond Test

The current Government "L" driving test allows you to make up to 15 minor (driving) errors over a route often not exceeding 6 miles and taking less than 35 minutes to complete.

The Diamond Advanced Test will take over an hour and will encompass most types of road conditions. A maximum of six minor faults will be allowed. The Diamond Advanced Driving Test is the first advanced test available to the general public which examines the Driving Standards Agency's recommended syllabus for driving in its entirety. The system of driving will remain the same as you were originally taught but of course you will be expected to demonstrate a progressive drive and a higher degree of skill and competence. All the manoeuvres contained in the recommended syllabus may also be examined.

IAM: Institute of Advanced Motorists

The test itself will last for about 90 minutes and will usually cover between 30 and 40 miles along all types of road (town driving, motorways (if available) or dual carriageways, and even country lanes). You will get a thorough workout of your driving ability, allowing you to alter your drive according to the conditions and environment of the road. The types of road vary from quiet country roads, motorways to busy town centres. In each case there are hazards and situations that need to be avoided and taken care of using the methods and techniques that advanced driving gives.

There may be situations where you can show flair or sparkle on an open country road where optimum progress can be gained at maximum safety, using optimum road positioning and excellent observation. All this combines to give a brisk smooth drive, at the legal limit on the open road. In other situations, you will need to show restraint and composure to deal with tricky hazards that may become apparent throughout the drive. Such as in a town centre, where observation is used to pick out hazards in situations that are constantly changing. The main objective is that you have to perform well in all situations rather than excel in one.

CST

The Cardington Special Test is specifically designed for approved driving instructors, to continue their own professional development through CPD. This always looks good for your customers. The test will be conducted in the instructor's own car, which must have manual transmission, an interior instructor mirror and head restraints for the driver and assessor. The test involves about 90 minutes driving on all types of road, including a motorway and in a variety of traffic situations.

ADIs have to demonstrate a positive, courteous attitude and the ability to control their position and speed of the vehicle safely, systematically and smoothly. A high consistent standard of driving competence based on concentration, effective observation, anticipation and planning is expected. In particular, you must demonstrate:

• expert handling of controls
• use of correct road procedure
• anticipation of the action of other road users and taking appropriate action
• sound judgement of distance, speed and timing
• consideration for the convenience and safety of other road users

There is no element of theory testing during this test.