3 types of Assessment Tests

• Standard Taxi/ Private Hire Assessment
• Enhanced Assessment (Including Wheelchair Exercise)
• Wheelchair Upgrade Assessment

Enhanced Assessment Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles

Standard Assessment Practical

This test is designed to assess a high standard of driving skill and ability, consistent with that expected of an experienced driver. The pass mark is set above the level required for a learner driver, reflecting the greater responsibility that comes with professional or passenger-carrying driving. The primary emphasis throughout the assessment will be on road safety and the safe conveyance of passengers, who must feel secure and confident at all times during the journey.

The practical driving element will last approximately forty-five minutes and take place on a varied route, which may include motorways, dual carriageways, and other challenging road types. This ensures that candidates are tested in a range of real-world driving conditions.

You may be asked two questions on the following:

Highway Code Questions

Cabology Questions

You should read The Highway Code carefully and make sure you know your vehicle inside out, so that it meets all relevant legal and safety obligations. It is also highly advisable to take professional driving training prior to the assessment, which can significantly improve your readiness and confidence.

Manoeuvres

As part of the assessment, you will be expected to demonstrate two reversing exercises, selected at the assessor’s discretion from the following options:

• Turning the vehicle around in the road using forward and reverse gears

• Reversing from a main road into a side road, either to the left or right

• Reverse parking into a designated bay within a car park

• Parallel parking alongside the kerb

Regardless of which manoeuvres are set, you must perform them smoothly, with complete command of the vehicle, and in full observance of The Highway Code throughout.

Stopping the Vehicle

The examiner will ask you to perform two or three stops, as pulling up safely is an essential part of taxi driving. Each time, choose a spot that is safe, legal and convenient, parking at a reasonable distance from the kerb.

When stopping, you should:

• Apply the handbrake and select neutral gear
• Check that no obstructions, such as a streetlight, would prevent a passenger from opening the door

You may also be asked to carry out an emergency stop at a location chosen by the examiner, demonstrating the ability to halt the vehicle promptly and under full control without skidding.

The Independent Drive

The practical driving test incorporates an independent driving section, which is a compulsory component of the overall assessment. This element requires you to navigate for roughly ten minutes without relying on continuous directional input from the assessor. Instead, you will be expected to follow a predetermined route using either a sequence of street directions, road traffic signs, or a blend of both.

• Should you lose your way or require clarification during the independent driving portion, do not hesitate to ask the examiner for a reminder of the route.

• Upon request, the examiner will promptly repeat the directions to assist you in continuing.

• In instances where traffic signs are poorly placed, damaged, or otherwise difficult to see, the examiner will offer steering guidance until the next clearly visible sign comes into view.

There is no requirement to have prior knowledge of the specific test routes, as full instructions will be provided on the day.

Driving Assessment Marking

Remember – Please bear in mind that this is a formal assessment, not a training session. No instruction or guidance will be given during the drive—the assessor is present solely to observe your performance and record your conduct behind the wheel.

The assessor is an independent examiner accredited by the DVSA and will evaluate your driving strictly against a structured set of criteria. For Practical Driving Assessments Watford, the same rigorous standards apply as across the rest of the country.

• Accumulating more than 9 driving faults will result in an automatic failure.

• A single dangerous or serious fault will also lead to an unsuccessful outcome.

Driving Fault – This refers to an error that is not immediately dangerous, though repeatedly making the same mistake could escalate it to a serious fault.

Serious Fault – This involves something potentially unsafe or unlawful, or any situation where the examiner feels the need to intervene.

Dangerous Fault – This is any action that creates actual risk to yourself, the examiner, other road users, or property.

It is important to remember that the assessor can only mark what they actually observe during your test. Regardless of how long you have held a licence or what experience you may have, the examiner will base the result solely on your performance on the day—so any errors made will be reflected in your marking.

The Assessment Results

It is important to keep in mind that the required standard for this assessment is set above that expected of a learner driver. Success is achieved by delivering a safe, smooth, and controlled drive, free from any serious or dangerous faults, and with no more than nine driving faults recorded.

• In line with DVSA procedures, the examiner’s ruling is final and cannot be contested.

• At the conclusion of the test, the assessor will inform you of your outcome and provide you with a copy of your marking sheet for your records.

• Candidates who are successful will receive a certificate, which will either be handed to you on the day or sent to you via email within two working days.