A NEW CAREER OR A SECOND INCOME !
In these uncertain times where no-one appears to be sitting comfortably either finacially or in their current jobs it may be well worth considering a second skill/income to fall back on if the worst happens and you find yourself either out of a job or your hours/wages are cut back. Qualifying for a Hackney Carriage/Private hire license requires most experienced drivers around 5 hours of training (not usually more than 10 hours) in order to pass the test.
THE HACKNEY CARRIAGE/PRIVATE HIRE TEST
WHAT’S INVOLVED?
The test breaks down as follows -
- At the beginning of the test the examiner will give you a sight test. You must wear your glasses/contact lenses if you need them to drive and be able to pass the sight test in order to continue with the test.
- You will be asked (if applicable) some safety questions - you should know the location of, and be able to operate, safety compontnents such as fire extinguisher, fuel cut-off switch and emergency door. On taxi tests, you will also be asked ‘Cabology’ questions (genral questions relating to taxi driving)
The practical test will then commence which will last around an hour driving in variety of everyday roads ranging from dual carriageways to busy high streets and built up urban roads. During the test you will be required to carry out the following -
- A controlled stop (as if in an emergency).
- Reverse exercises including reversing to the left or right when parking the car on the road or into a bay. You must demonstrate the ability to control the car safely whilst taking effective all round observation throughout the manoeuvre showing consideration for the safety of pedestrians and road other road users.
- Turn in the road using forward and reverse gears demonstrating full control of your vehicle. Again you must show consideration for the safety of pedestrians and other road users.
- You must carry out a taxi manouvre demonstrating the ability to turn the vehicle round by whatever means available whilst taking effective observation showing consideration for the safety of road users and pedestrians. You must not enter or in any way use a driveway or come into contact with the kerb/pavement as this would potetially damage your vehicle and endanger pedestrians.
- You should be able to securely erect whellchair ramps, safely install the wheelchair and an imaginary wheelchair occupant into your vehicle, ensuring the wheelchair and its occupant are safely secured in readiness for the journey then reverse the entire process.
- (Vehicle & trailer combinations only) You will need to demonstrate the skills necessary when uncoupling and re-coupling your vehicle to a designated position prior to re-coupling safely.
- Controls. This section covers the correct and smooth use of accelerator, clutch, footbrake, parking brake and steering.
- Moving off. You will need to demonstrate the ability to move off smoothly and safely on the level, on a gradient and at an angle taking the correct precautionary observations.
- Mirrors - rear observations. Use all the mirrors fitted to your vehicle safely and effectively.
- Signals. You must signal clearly to let others know your intentions. You should only use the signals shown in the Highway Code if it would help other road users and pedestrians.
-
16 Clearance to obstructions
Allow plenty of room to pass stationary vehicles, obstructions and be prepared to slow down or stop. A door may open, a child may run out or a vehicle may pull out without warning.
17 Response to signs/signals
You should understand and be able to react to all traffic signs and road markings, You must act correctly at traffic lights, and check that the road is clear before proceeding when the green light shows, Obey signals given by police officers, traffic wardens and school crossing patrols, Look out for signals given by other road users, including people in charge of animals, and be ready to act accordingly.
18 Use of Speed
You should make safe, reasonable progress along the road bearing in mind the road, traffic and weather conditions and the road signs and speed limits, Make sure that you can stop safely, well within the distance you can see to be clear, Do not speed. Remember, as a new driver, your licence will be revoked if you accrue six or more penalty points during the first two years, and you will have to retake and pass both theory and practical tests.
19 Following distance
Always keep a safe distance between yourself and other vehicles. Remember, on wet or slippery roads it takes much longer to stop. When you stop in traffic queues leave sufficient space to pull out if the vehicle in front has problems.
20 Maintain progress
In order to pass your test you must show that you can drive at a realistic speed appropriate to the road and traffic conditions. You should approach all hazards at a safe, controlled speed, without being over cautious or interfering with the progress of other traffic. Always be ready to move away from junctions as soon as, it is safe and correct to do so, driving excessively slowly can I create dangers for yourself and other drivers,
21 Junctions (including roundabouts)
You should be able to judge the correct speed of approach so that you can enter a junction safely and stop if necessary. Position your vehicle correctly. Use the correct lane - if you are turning right, keep as near to the centre of the road as is safe. Avoid cutting the corner when turning right. If turning left, keep over to the left and do not swing out. Watch out for cyclists and motorcyclists coming up on your left and pedestrians who are crossing, you must take effective observation before moving into a junction and make sure it is safe before proceeding.
22 Judgements
Only overtake when it is safe to do so. Allow enough room when you are overtaking another vehicle. Cyclists and motorcyclists need as much space as other vehicles; they can wobble or swerve suddenly. Do not cut in too quickly after overtaking. Take care when the width of the road is restrictedor when the road narrows. If there is an obstruction on your side or not enough room for two vehicles to pass safely, be prepared to wait and let the approaching vehicles through.
When you turn right across the path of an approaching vehicle, make sure you can do so safely, other vehicles should not have to stop, slow down or swerve to allow you to complete your turn.
23 Positioning
You should position your vehicle sensibly, normally well to the left. Keep clear of parked vehicles and position correctly for the direction that you intend to take. Where lanes are marked, keep to the middle of the lane and avoid straddling lane markings. Do not change lanes unless necessary.
24 Pedestrian Crossings
You should be able to recognise the different types of pedestrian crossing and show courtesy and consideration towards pedestrians. At all crossings you should slow down and stop if there is anyone on the crossing. At zebra crossings you should slow down and be prepared to stop if there is anyone waiting to cross. Give way to any pedestrians on a pelican crossing when the amber lights are flashing. You should give way to cyclists as well as pedestrians on a toucan crossing and act correctly at puffin crossings.
25 Position / Normal Stops
Choose a safe, legal and convenient place to stop, close to the edge of the road, where you will not obstruct the road and create a hazard. You should know how and where to stop without I causing danger to other road users.
26 Planning
You must be aware of other road users at all times. You should always think and plan ahead so you can judge what other road users are going to do, predict how their actions will affect you and react in good time. Take particular care to consider the actions of the more vulnerable groups of road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders. Anticipate road and traffic conditions, and act in good time, rather than reacting to them at the last moment.
27 Ancillary Controls
You should understand the function of all the controls and switches, especially those that have a bearing on road safety. These include indicators, lights, windscreen wipers, demisters and heaters. You should be able to find these controls and operate them correctly when necessary, without looking down. You may now use www.dsa.gov.uk to re-book your practical driving test online.
28 Health Declaration
You must declare any change to your health status since you last applied for a licence. It is a criminal offence for you (or anyone else) to make a false statement in order for you to obtain a driving licence and can lead to prosecution.
For more information visit -