Background to the practical ‘Taxi Driving Test’

In 1999 the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) introduced a non-statutory practical driving test for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire vehicles. Some Licensing Authorities now insist that you must pass the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire practical assessment before you are issued with a Hackney Carriage or Private Hire drivers licence. The reason for the assessment is best summarised by following paragraph which is common to all the DSA literature:

“As a professional driver you have a special responsibility to ensure that your passengers have a safe, comfortable and enjoyable journey. Every journey should be a safe one, taxi drivers make millions of safe and efficient journeys in Britain each year and the safe completion of each journey totally depends on the skill of the driver.”

The reason for your Licensing Authority requiring you to take the assessment is to ensure that each taxi driver has the correct driving skills. The DSA strongly recommends that you:

• Familiarise yourself with the content of the test
• Take professional instruction prior to taking the test

DIAmond Taxi and Private Hire Driving Training and Testing

DIAmond Advanced Motorists, established in 1992 by the Driving Instructors Association, has developed a comprehensive taxi-driver training and testing program, providing a one-stop-shop for the taxi industry and licensing authorities. North East Driver Training now have DIAmond accredited trainers who can train taxi drivers in the North East of England who wish to take the DIAmond Taxi Test. Upon passing the DIAmond Taxi Test, a driver is automatically enrolled into the MASTERDRIVER CLUB free for the first 12 months and will receive all the benefits of membership, including reduced insurance premiums, regular copies of Driving magazine, discounted recovery, car hire, hotels. Car parking and periodic updates on the changed in various laws and Highway Code. Whatever your requirements, Driver Training North East Limited will bring you to the standard where you can pass the Hackney Carriage/Private Hire assessment or the DIAmond Taxi Test.