Mauritius Police Taxi Oral Test cheat sheet
Mauritius Police Taxi Oral Test · Keep the key ideas within reach.
Road Traffic Law and Taxi Regulations
The Road Traffic Act (Mauritius) makes driving without a valid licence, insurance, or roadworthy certificate an offence; a taxi driver must carry the licence, the vehicle's registration certificate, insurance and fitness certificate whenever operating.
A public service vehicle (PSV) taxi licence is issued by the National Transport Authority (NTA); operating a private car for hire without a PSV licence and badge is an offence.
The taxi driver's badge must be visibly displayed inside the vehicle and produced on demand to a police officer or authorised NTA inspector.
Seat belts are mandatory for the driver and all passengers; children under the prescribed age/height must use an appropriate restraint.
Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving is prohibited; only hands-free use is permitted, and the driver must remain in full control.
The legal blood alcohol limit is 50 mg per 100 ml of blood (or the equivalent breath reading); exceeding it is an offence, and a driver may be required to provide a breath specimen.
Dangerous driving and careless driving are separate offences carrying different penalties; dangerous driving includes racing, aggressive overtaking and driving with blatant disregard for other road users.
Taxi fares and meter use are governed by NTA fare regulations; overcharging, refusing a lawful fare without reasonable cause, or tampering with the meter is an offence.
A collision involving injury, death, or damage must be reported to the police immediately; failing to stop, failing to report, or leaving the scene is an offence.
Road Signs, Signals and Markings
Red triangular signs with a white background are warning signs; they alert the driver to a hazard ahead (bend, junction, pedestrian crossing, school).
Circular signs with a red border are prohibitions (no entry, no overtaking, speed limit); circular blue signs are mandatory instructions (keep left, turn left, minimum speed).
Rectangular signs are information signs (directions, place names, parking, hospital); green and blue backgrounds indicate route and destination information.
A double continuous yellow line at the kerb means no parking and no waiting at any time; a single yellow line means waiting restrictions apply during the hours shown on nearby plates.
A continuous white centre line means no crossing or overtaking; a broken white line may be crossed only when it is safe and the driver has clear visibility.
A stop sign (octagon, red) requires a complete stop at the line; a give-way sign (inverted triangle) requires yielding to traffic on the priority road.
Traffic light sequence is red, red-and-amber, green, amber, red; amber means stop unless it is unsafe to do so.
A flashing amber light at a pedestrian crossing means yield to pedestrians on the crossing but proceed if it is clear.
Zebra crossings give pedestrians priority once they have stepped onto the crossing; a driver must slow and stop for them.
Safe Driving and Defensive Driving
The two-second rule: maintain at least a two-second gap behind the vehicle ahead; double it in rain, at night, or when following a heavy vehicle.
Stopping distance = thinking distance + braking distance; total stopping distance rises with the square of speed, so doubling speed roughly quadruples braking distance.
The safe following distance in metres can be estimated as speed in km/h divided by two, then doubled in wet conditions.
Mirror–signal–manoeuvre: check mirrors, signal intention, check blind spot, then move; never rely on mirrors alone.
In Mauritius, drive on the left; at roundabouts give way to traffic approaching from the right unless signs or markings indicate otherwise.
Use dipped headlights in rain, at dusk, and at night; use full beam only when it will not dazzle oncoming or following drivers.
Reduce speed in rain because wet roads and oil film reduce grip; avoid sudden braking and steering on slippery surfaces.
Overtake only when there is clear visibility, no solid line, no junction or bend ahead, and you can complete the manoeuvre safely.
Defensive driving assumes other road users may make mistakes: anticipate, maintain space, and be ready to stop.
Passenger Safety and Customer Conduct
Ensure every passenger is seated and belted before moving off; do not start until doors are closed and passengers are secure.
Child passengers require an appropriate child restraint; a child must never travel unrestrained or standing between seats.
Passengers must not be carried in excess of the seating capacity shown on the vehicle's registration document.
Never leave a passenger, especially a child or vulnerable adult, unattended in a parked vehicle.
Greet the passenger courteously, confirm the destination, and use the meter or agreed fare before starting the journey.
Assist passengers with luggage and with boarding or alighting where needed, particularly elderly or disabled passengers.
Do not smoke, eat, or use a hand-held phone while carrying passengers; keep the vehicle clean and the passenger compartment comfortable.
If a passenger behaves aggressively or refuses to pay, do not escalate; stop in a safe place and contact the police.
Vehicle Condition and Maintenance
A pre-journey check covers tyres, brakes, lights, horn, mirrors, wipers, fluid levels and seat belts; defects must be corrected before carrying passengers.
Tyre tread depth must meet the legal minimum (1.6 mm across the central three-quarters); tyres must be correctly inflated and free of cuts or bulges.
Brake fluid, engine oil, coolant and washer fluid levels must be checked regularly; low brake fluid can indicate a leak or worn pads.
All lights - headlights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights and number-plate light - must be working; a failed brake light is a common defect.
The vehicle fitness certificate (roadworthy test) must be current; an expired certificate makes the vehicle illegal for hire.
Windscreen wipers and washers must work; a cracked or obscured windscreen impairs visibility and may fail inspection.
The spare wheel, jack and wheel brace must be present and serviceable, and the driver should know how to change a wheel.
A fire extinguisher and first-aid kit should be carried and in date; the driver should know their location and use.
Emergency Procedures and Incident Reporting
In a collision: stop, switch on hazard lights, check for injuries, call emergency services (police 999 / 112) and do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger.
Record the other vehicle's registration number, driver details, insurance details, time, location and witness contacts.
Report the incident to the police station nearest the scene or to the police as soon as practicable; obtain a copy of the report for insurance.
If the vehicle breaks down, move it off the carriageway if possible, switch on hazard lights, and place a warning triangle behind it where safe.
For a fire, stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, evacuate passengers to a safe distance and call the fire service; do not open the bonnet fully if flames are present.
If a passenger becomes ill or injured, stop in a safe place, provide first aid within your competence, and call an ambulance if needed.
If threatened or robbed, do not resist; note details, move to safety, and report to the police immediately.
Keep an incident log recording date, time, location, parties involved and actions taken; this supports insurance and police follow-up.
Local Geography and Route Knowledge
Port Louis is the capital and main commercial centre; major routes include the M1 motorway, and the city connects to the north, east, south and centre via the motorway network.
The M1 links Port Louis to the north (through Baie du Tombeau and towards Grand Baie) and the M2 links Port Louis to the east and the airport corridor.
The SSR International Airport is at Plaine Magnien in the south-east; the main access is via the M2 motorway.
Major towns include Curepipe, Vacoas-Phoenix, Quatre Bornes, Beau Bassin-Rose Hill, Mahébourg, Flacq, Goodlands and Grand Baie.
The island's central plateau holds Curepipe and Vacoas; routes across the plateau use the M1/M2 and connecting roads.
Know the main hospitals (e.g., Dr A.G. Jeetoo Hospital in Port Louis, Victoria Hospital in Candos) and police stations on your routes for emergencies.
Plan routes to avoid peak-hour congestion around Port Louis, Quatre Bornes and the motorway interchanges.
Use landmarks, place names and road numbers to confirm the destination with the passenger before departure.
Professional Ethics and Public Order
Treat every passenger equally regardless of race, religion, gender, disability or origin; discrimination in service is both unethical and unlawful.
Do not refuse a fare without a reasonable cause such as a safety risk, vehicle defect, or the journey being outside the licensed area.
Charge the correct fare under the meter or the agreed rate; do not demand tips or take longer routes to inflate the fare.
Keep passenger information and conversations confidential; do not disclose destinations or personal details.
Do not carry unauthorised passengers, parcels or goods; refuse requests to transport suspicious or illegal items and report them.
Obey all traffic laws even when a passenger urges speed; the driver is responsible for the safety of the vehicle and its occupants.
Remain calm and polite in disputes; do not use abusive language or physical force, and involve the police where necessary.
Keep the vehicle and your appearance clean and professional; a taxi is a public service and reflects on public order and trust.
Professional Ethics and Public Order (Public Conduct)
A taxi driver is a public service provider; conduct in public affects public order and the reputation of the trade.
Do not park illegally, obstruct traffic, or use bus stops and pedestrian crossings as taxi stands; use designated taxi ranks.
Do not tout for passengers aggressively or block other vehicles; touting and disorderly conduct can lead to prosecution.
Cooperate with police officers and NTA inspectors; produce your licence, badge and documents when requested.
Do not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs; this is both an offence and a serious risk to public safety.
Report suspicious activity, unattended packages or unruly behaviour to the police rather than confronting it.
Respect other road users, pedestrians and cyclists; courtesy reduces conflict and supports orderly traffic.
Keep a record of complaints and incidents; a professional driver resolves issues through proper channels rather than confrontation.
Professional Ethics and Public Order (Ethics)
Honesty in fares, routes and change is the core ethical duty of a taxi driver; short-changing or overcharging damages public trust.
Do not accept gifts or inducements to break regulations, such as exceeding the speed limit or carrying excess passengers.
Protect vulnerable passengers (children, elderly, disabled, intoxicated) and ensure they reach their destination safely.
Do not leave a passenger stranded in an unsafe location; if a journey cannot be completed, arrange safe alternatives.
Respect privacy: do not record or photograph passengers without consent.
Maintain neutrality in disputes and avoid taking sides; refer serious matters to the police.
Follow the law even when it is inconvenient; ethical conduct is judged by consistency, not convenience.
Report colleagues or others who commit serious offences such as driving unlicensed or uninsured; this protects the public.
Professional Ethics and Public Order (Order)
Public order offences include disorderly conduct, obstruction, and refusing lawful police instructions; a taxi driver must comply with lawful directions.
At a collision or incident scene, follow police directions and do not obstruct emergency vehicles.
Do not use the vehicle's horn aggressively or at night in restricted areas; excessive horn use can be an offence.
Do not stop on a clearway, in a bus lane, or on a pedestrian crossing; these create obstruction and endanger others.
Keep music at a reasonable volume; excessive noise can constitute a public nuisance.
Do not allow passengers to hang out of windows, throw litter, or behave in a disorderly manner; you are responsible for the vehicle.
If a passenger commits an offence in your vehicle, report it and cooperate with the police; do not conceal it.
Wear your badge and identify yourself when requested; anonymity is not permitted for licensed taxi drivers.
Professional Ethics and Public Order (Licensing)
The taxi licence is issued to a specific vehicle and driver; lending the vehicle or badge to an unlicensed person is an offence.
The vehicle must be insured for public service use; ordinary private insurance does not cover hire or reward.
Keep the licence, insurance and fitness certificate in the vehicle and produce them on demand.
Notify the NTA of any change of address, vehicle, or ownership within the prescribed period.
Do not operate outside the licensed area or route conditions attached to the licence.
A driver whose licence is suspended or revoked must not drive for hire until it is restored.
Renew licences, badges and certificates before expiry; operating on an expired document is an offence.
Keep records of fares, journeys and maintenance; they support compliance and dispute resolution.
Professional Ethics and Public Order (Safety)
The driver is responsible for the safety of all occupants; do not allow overcrowding or unrestrained passengers.
Do not carry hazardous or flammable goods without authorisation; refuse such requests and report them.
Secure luggage so it cannot move and injure passengers or obstruct the driver's view.
Ensure doors are locked or child-locked where appropriate and that passengers can exit safely in an emergency.
Do not drive if you are tired, ill, or affected by medication; fatigue impairs judgement as much as alcohol.
In an emergency, prioritise evacuation and first aid; property can be replaced, people cannot.
Keep a fire extinguisher and first-aid kit accessible and know how to use them.
Report defects immediately and take the vehicle out of service until repaired; a defective vehicle endangers the public.
Professional Ethics and Public Order (Communication)
Confirm the destination and route with the passenger before departure; clarify fare and meter use.
Use clear, courteous language; avoid arguing with passengers or other road users.
If a passenger is dissatisfied, listen, apologise where appropriate, and explain the fare or route calmly.
Do not use a hand-held phone while driving; use hands-free only and keep calls brief.
Inform passengers of delays, diversions or safety instructions clearly and promptly.
Do not discuss other passengers or disclose personal information; confidentiality builds trust.
If a passenger is intoxicated or aggressive, speak calmly, stop safely, and involve the police if needed.
Keep a complaints procedure and provide a receipt on request; transparency resolves disputes.
Professional Ethics and Public Order (Record Keeping)
Keep a daily record of journeys, fares, and any incidents; this supports tax and insurance obligations.
Retain maintenance and inspection records; they demonstrate the vehicle was roadworthy.
Record accident details, witness contacts and police report numbers for insurance claims.
Keep copies of licences, insurance and fitness certificates and note their expiry dates.
Record passenger complaints and how they were resolved; patterns reveal training needs.
Do not falsify records; false entries are dishonest and may constitute an offence.
Store records securely to protect passenger privacy.
Produce records to the NTA or police on lawful request.
Professional Ethics and Public Order (Public Trust)
A licensed taxi driver is easily identified; conduct reflects on the whole trade and public confidence.
Return lost property to the passenger or hand it to the police; keeping it is dishonest.
Do not exploit a passenger's unfamiliarity with the area by taking a longer route.
Help passengers with luggage and accessibility needs; courtesy is part of the service.
Do not discriminate or refuse service on prohibited grounds.
Report crimes or suspicious behaviour rather than ignoring them; public safety is a shared duty.
Keep the vehicle clean and presentable; appearance affects passenger trust.
Follow the law consistently; ethical conduct is judged by actions, not intentions.
Professional Ethics and Public Order (Discipline)
Arrive on time for bookings; punctuality is part of professional service.
Do not use the taxi for unauthorised purposes or private errands while on duty.
Follow lawful instructions from police and NTA officers promptly.
Do not argue with or obstruct an officer; disputes are resolved through proper channels.
Maintain self-control under provocation; aggression escalates conflict and may be an offence.
Keep the vehicle and yourself clean and sober; impairment is unacceptable.
Report defects and incidents immediately; concealment endangers others.
Accept that licensing conditions bind you; non-compliance can lead to suspension or revocation.
Professional Ethics and Public Order (Community)
Taxis provide an essential public service, especially for elderly, disabled and rural passengers.
Support community safety by reporting hazards, defects and suspicious activity.
Respect local customs and neighbourhoods; avoid noise and obstruction near residences.
Cooperate with other transport providers and emergency services.
Do not compete aggressively or block other taxis; orderly ranks benefit everyone.
Mentor new drivers on regulations and safe practice.
Engage with passenger feedback to improve service.
Uphold the law as a visible representative of public order.
Professional Ethics and Public Order (Enforcement)
Police and NTA inspectors may stop a taxi to check documents, vehicle condition and driver badge.
Produce documents promptly and courteously; refusal may be an offence.
Do not offer bribes or inducements to avoid a penalty; this is a serious offence.
Accept penalties and challenge them through the proper legal process, not confrontation.
Keep the vehicle compliant between inspections; enforcement is continuous.
Report unlicensed operators; they undermine safety and fair competition.
Cooperate with investigations and provide accurate information.
Know the appeal process for penalties and licences.
Professional Ethics and Public Order (Emergency)
In an emergency, the priority is saving life: stop safely, call emergency services, and provide first aid within your competence.
Do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger such as fire.
Use hazard lights and a warning triangle to protect the scene.
Record details of all parties, witnesses and the police report number.
Report the incident to the police and your insurer promptly.
Do not admit liability at the scene; cooperate but leave fault to insurers and investigators.
Keep a first-aid kit and fire extinguisher accessible.
Follow police directions at the scene and do not obstruct emergency vehicles.
Professional Ethics and Public Order (Customer Care)
Greet passengers courteously and confirm the destination before moving off.
Assist with luggage and accessibility needs.
Keep the vehicle clean, comfortable and smoke-free.
Use the meter or agreed fare and give correct change.
Listen to complaints and resolve them calmly.
Protect passenger privacy and confidentiality.
Do not discriminate; serve all passengers equally.
Provide a receipt on request.
Professional Ethics and Public Order (Road Safety)
Seat belts are mandatory for all occupants; children need appropriate restraints.
Observe speed limits and adjust for weather and traffic.
Maintain a safe following distance and avoid tailgating.
Do not overtake on solid lines or at junctions and bends.
Use lights correctly and avoid dazzling other drivers.
Do not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Avoid distractions such as hand-held phones.
Plan rest breaks to avoid fatigue.
Professional Ethics and Public Order (Vehicle Safety)
Check tyres, brakes, lights and fluids before each journey.
Ensure the fitness certificate and insurance are current.
Carry a spare wheel, jack, fire extinguisher and first-aid kit.
Secure luggage and keep the driver's view clear.
Do not carry excess passengers or hazardous goods.
Report defects and take the vehicle out of service until repaired.
Keep the vehicle clean and presentable.
Know how to change a wheel and use emergency equipment.
Professional Ethics and Public Order (Route Knowledge)
Know the main motorways, towns and landmarks.
Plan routes to avoid congestion and confirm with the passenger.
Know hospital and police station locations for emergencies.
Use road numbers and place names to confirm destinations.
Avoid unnecessary detours that inflate fares.
Adapt to road closures and diversions.
Know the airport route and main access roads.
Keep a map or navigation aid as backup.
Professional Ethics and Public Order (Legal Compliance)
Hold a valid driving licence, PSV badge, insurance and fitness certificate.
Display the badge and produce documents on demand.
Obey traffic laws and fare regulations.
Do not operate outside licensed areas or conditions.
Report collisions and offences promptly.
Do not lend the vehicle or badge to unlicensed persons.
Renew documents before expiry.
Keep records of journeys and maintenance.
Professional Ethics and Public Order (Public Safety)
Prioritise passenger and pedestrian safety at all times.
Do not allow passengers to behave in a disorderly or dangerous manner.
Report suspicious packages or activity to the police.
Do not transport illegal or hazardous goods.
Cooperate with emergency services at incidents.
Keep emergency equipment accessible.
Avoid confrontation; use proper channels for disputes.
Maintain self-control under provocation.
Professional Ethics and Public Order (Professionalism)
Be punctual, courteous and reliable.
Keep yourself and the vehicle clean and sober.
Charge correct fares and give receipts.
Protect passenger privacy and lost property.
Do not discriminate or refuse service unlawfully.
Follow the law consistently.
Report defects and incidents immediately.
Mentor new drivers on safe practice.
Professional Ethics and Public Order (Public Order)
Do not obstruct traffic, bus stops or pedestrian crossings.
Use designated taxi ranks.
Avoid aggressive touting or disorderly conduct.
Comply with lawful police directions.
Keep noise to a reasonable level.
Do not allow passengers to litter or behave disorderly.
Report offences rather than conceal them.
Wear your badge and identify yourself when requested.
Professional Ethics and Public Order (Ethical Conduct)
Honesty in fares, routes and change.
Do not accept inducements to break regulations.
Protect vulnerable passengers.
Do not leave passengers stranded unsafely.
Respect privacy; do not record passengers without consent.
Stay neutral in disputes and refer serious matters to police.
Follow the law even when inconvenient.
Report serious offences by others.
Professional Ethics and Public Order (Compliance)
Keep licences, insurance and fitness certificates current.
Produce documents on demand.
Do not offer bribes.
Accept penalties and use proper appeals.
Report unlicensed operators.
Cooperate with investigations.
Know the appeal process.
Maintain compliance between inspections.
Professional Ethics and Public Order (Incident Reporting)
Stop, secure the scene and call emergency services.
Record party, witness and police details.
Report to police and insurer promptly.
Do not admit liability at the scene.
Keep an incident log.
Use hazard lights and warning triangle.
Provide first aid within competence.
Follow police directions.
Professional Ethics and Public Order (Public Conduct)
A taxi driver is a visible public service provider.
Do not park illegally or obstruct traffic.
Do not tout aggressively.
Cooperate with police and NTA inspectors.
Do not drive under the influence.
Report suspicious activity.
Respect other road users.
Resolve complaints through proper channels.