All drivers of hackney carriages and private hire vehicles in Brentwood must pass our knowledge test. The multiple choice electronic test is split into six sections with a total of 55 questions, lasting 50 minutes.
After you apply for a Hackney carriage or private hire driver licence, you should contact our licensing team when you are ready to sit the knowledge test. You can do this when you apply, if you feel prepared. You will then be given a date and time to sit the test. At the end of the test, your result will be displayed on the screen. If you pass, and all other parts of your application are satisfactory, including DBS disclosure, medical results and other training, you can speak to the officer at the knowledge test about when to collect your licence and badge.
| Item | Topic | Description | Pass marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Highway code 10 questions | Questions relate to things like speed limits, stopping distances, pedestrian crossings, parking and are similar to questions asked on the DVLA theory test. | Hackney carriage: 10 Private hire: 9 |
| 2 | Road signs 5 questions | Road signs that you need to recognise. | All: 5 |
| 3 | Places of interest 10 questions | Landmarks such as pubs, clubs, restaurants, schools, churches, public buildings you need to be aware of. | Hackney carriage: 9 Private hire: 7 |
| 4 | Routes 15 questions for hackney carriage drivers only | You'll be expected to select the shortest route between two places in the borough. It'll be assumed that there are no roadworks, blockages or anything to stop you going by the direct route. You should note things like roundabouts, no entry signs and one-way streets when giving your answer. | Hackney carriage: 13 Private hire: not taken |
| 5 | Conditions and law 10 questions | Conditions relate to both hackney carriages and private hire vehicles and drivers. | All: 10 |
| 6 | Numeracy 5 questions | Questions relate to the cost of fares and the change you must give the customer. | All: 5 |
Useful documents
Conditions
- your application fee allows a maximum of four attempts at the knowledge test
- there are Taxi fees and charges that must be paid before you take any additional test above the four included in the application fee
- if you aren't successful on a particular test, you will only be expected to answer questions on the sections you did not previously pass