Taxi driver knowledge test

Knowledge test

All drivers of hackney carriages and private hire vehicles in Thurrock must pass our knowledge test.

The multiple choice electronic test is split into 6 sections with a total of 55 questions. It lasts 50 minutes.

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 2 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: 4

Hackney carriage and private hire knowledge test, example questions (PDF 304.10KB)

Taking the test

After you apply for a hackney carriage or private hire driver's licence, you should contact our licensing team when you are ready to sit the knowledge test – you can do this at the time of your application, if you feel prepared. You will then be given a date and time to sit the test at our Civic Offices in New Road, Grays.

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 PATS certificate – you can speak to the officer at the knowledge test about when to collect your licence and badge.

Conditions

The following conditions apply:

  • your application fee allows a maximum of 4 attempts at the knowledge test
  • there is a fee for additional tests that must be paid for before you take the test
  • if you are not successful on a particular test, you will only be expected to answer questions on the sections you did not previously pass