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UK Taxi & PHV study materials
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UK Taxi & PHV practice questions

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Question 1Licensing law, regulation and the role of the licensing authority

Which statute is the principal Act under which private hire vehicles, drivers and operators are licensed in England outside London?

  1. Road Traffic Act 1988 as amended by the Deregulation Act 2015
  2. Metropolitan Public Carriage Act 1869
  3. Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 Correct answer.
  4. Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1998

Explanation

Part II of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 provides for the licensing of hackney carriages, private hire vehicles, drivers and operators in the areas outside London to which it applies. The 1869 Act deals with London hackney carriages and the 1998 Act with London private hire.

Question 2Licensing law, regulation and the role of the licensing authority

For licensing purposes, a private hire vehicle is a motor vehicle constructed or adapted to seat how many passengers?

  1. An unlimited number of passengers excluding the driver
  2. Fewer than thirteen passengers excluding the driver
  3. Fewer than nine passengers Correct answer.
  4. Fewer than five passengers excluding the driver

Explanation

A private hire vehicle is defined as a motor vehicle constructed or adapted to seat fewer than nine passengers, excluding the driver, other than a hackney carriage or a public service vehicle. Larger vehicles fall to be licensed as public service vehicles.

Question 3Licensing law, regulation and the role of the licensing authority

In England, outside London, which body is the licensing authority for hackney carriage and private hire licensing?

  1. The Secretary of State for Transport
  2. The county council
  3. The traffic commissioner
  4. The district council Correct answer.

Explanation

Taxi and private hire licensing outside London is a district council function, exercised directly by unitary authorities in their areas. County councils, traffic commissioners and central government have no licensing role for taxis or private hire.

Question 4Licensing law, regulation and the role of the licensing authority

Where may a hackney carriage stand or ply for hire?

  1. Anywhere in England and Wales
  2. Within the licensing district only Correct answer.
  3. At any rank designated by the police
  4. Anywhere within the county where it is licensed

Explanation

Hackney carriage licensing is territorial: the vehicle may only stand or ply for hire within the district of the council that licensed it. Outside that district it cannot pick up a fare by being hailed or by waiting on a rank.

Question 5Licensing law, regulation and the role of the licensing authority

A private hire vehicle may lawfully carry passengers for hire only where:

  1. The driver also holds a hackney carriage driver's licence
  2. The vehicle displays a distinctive roof sign
  3. The journey begins at a designated stand
  4. A licensed operator has accepted the booking Correct answer.

Explanation

Private hire work must be pre-booked through a licensed operator; a private hire vehicle cannot be hailed in the street or wait on a rank. The booking requirement is what distinguishes private hire from hackney carriage work.

Question 6Licensing law, regulation and the role of the licensing authority

What is the maximum period for which a private hire operator's licence may be granted?

  1. One year
  2. Ten years
  3. Five years Correct answer.
  4. Three years

Explanation

A district council may grant an operator's licence for such period as it determines, up to a statutory maximum of five years. The authority is not obliged to grant the maximum and may choose a shorter term.

Question 7Licensing law, regulation and the role of the licensing authority

What is the longest period for which a private hire vehicle licence may be granted?

  1. Six months
  2. Three years
  3. Twelve months Correct answer.
  4. Five years

Explanation

A private hire vehicle licence may be granted for a period not exceeding twelve months. Vehicle licences must be renewed regularly so that the council can check the vehicle's condition, testing and insurance.

Question 8Licensing law, regulation and the role of the licensing authority

A private hire driver's licence may be granted for a maximum of:

  1. Twelve months
  2. Three years Correct answer.
  3. Five years
  4. Two years

Explanation

Drivers' licences under the 1976 Act remain in force for three years. Vehicle licences, by contrast, last no more than twelve months.

Question 9Licensing law, regulation and the role of the licensing authority

Within what period must an appeal against a taxi or private hire licensing decision be brought before the magistrates' court?

  1. Fourteen days
  2. Twenty-eight days
  3. Six months
  4. Twenty-one days Correct answer.

Explanation

The statutory right of appeal to a magistrates' court must be exercised within twenty-one days of the applicant being notified of the decision. Missing the deadline normally means the appeal cannot proceed without an extension.

Question 10Licensing law, regulation and the role of the licensing authority

Under section 16 of the Transport Act 1985, a district council may limit the number of hackney carriage licences it grants only if it is satisfied that:

  1. The police have confirmed that the ranks in the district are overcrowded
  2. The Secretary of State has approved a limit for that district
  3. Every existing hackney carriage licence holder in the district supports the limit
  4. There is no significant unmet demand for hackney carriages in its area Correct answer.

Explanation

Quantity control is permitted only where the authority is satisfied that there is no significant unmet demand for hackney carriage services. The assessment must be evidence-based, reasoned and kept under review.

Question 11Licensing law, regulation and the role of the licensing authority

Statutory guidance to which taxi and private hire licensing authorities in England must have regard is issued under which provision?

  1. Section 177 of the Policing and Crime Act 2017 Correct answer.
  2. Section 45 of the Equality Act 2010
  3. Section 65 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976
  4. Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003

Explanation

Section 177 of the Policing and Crime Act 2017 empowers the Secretary of State to issue guidance on taxi and private hire licensing, and authorities must have regard to it. The current document is the Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards.

Question 12Licensing law, regulation and the role of the licensing authority

Which statement best describes the 'fit and proper person' test applied to taxi and private hire licence applicants?

  1. It is satisfied once the applicant produces a current enhanced DBS certificate
  2. The authority weighs the applicant's character and any risk to the public Correct answer.
  3. It focuses solely on the applicant's driving licence and motoring record
  4. It requires the applicant to have no criminal convictions of any kind

Explanation

Fitness and propriety is a broad test requiring the authority to consider the applicant's history and character generally and to judge whether licensing would pose a risk to the public. Convictions are relevant but the assessment does not end with them.

Question 13Licensing law, regulation and the role of the licensing authority

Which of the following is a ground on which a district council may suspend or revoke a driver's licence?

  1. The driver has received three parking tickets in the past year
  2. The driver has, since licensing, been convicted of an offence of dishonesty Correct answer.
  3. The driver also drives for a second licensed operator
  4. The driver has changed home address within the district without notifying the council

Explanation

The 1976 Act allows suspension or revocation where, since the licence was granted, the driver has been convicted of an offence involving dishonesty, indecency or violence, or on other specified fitness grounds. Working for more than one operator is lawful and not a ground.

Question 14Licensing law, regulation and the role of the licensing authority

A council is considering revoking a driver's licence because it doubts that he remains a fit and proper person. What is the minimum procedural step it must take?

  1. Give the driver notice of the grounds and a chance to respond Correct answer.
  2. Obtain a court order authorising the revocation
  3. Obtain the operator's written consent to the revocation
  4. Wait until the existing licence expires and then refuse to renew it

Explanation

Licensing decisions that affect a person's livelihood must be taken fairly, which requires notice of the concerns and an opportunity to make representations before the decision is made. Ignoring this exposes the authority to a successful appeal.

Question 15Licensing law, regulation and the role of the licensing authority

Which level of criminal record check is appropriate for a person applying for a taxi or private hire driver's licence?

  1. A standard DBS check
  2. No check, because drivers are self-employed
  3. An enhanced DBS check Correct answer.
  4. A basic DBS check

Explanation

Taxi and private hire drivers are engaged in work with children and vulnerable adults and are subject to enhanced DBS checking, including barred list checks. The enhanced check reveals cautions, warnings and other information held by the police.

Question 16Licensing law, regulation and the role of the licensing authority

Under section 165 of the Equality Act 2010, the driver of a designated wheelchair-accessible taxi or private hire vehicle must:

  1. Charge no more than the fare charged to other passengers Correct answer.
  2. Require the passenger to give at least 24 hours' notice of the journey
  3. Carry no more than one wheelchair user at a time
  4. Complete the journey within a time limit set by the council

Explanation

Section 165 requires the driver to carry the wheelchair user, provide reasonable assistance and not to charge more than the fare that would be charged to a non-disabled passenger. Drivers with a valid medical exemption certificate are excepted.

Question 17Licensing law, regulation and the role of the licensing authority

A hackney carriage driver licensed in District A is hailed by a passenger while parked on a rank in District B. What is the position?

  1. He may accept, because hackney carriage driver licences are valid throughout England
  2. He may accept provided that the journey ends in District A
  3. He may accept only if the passenger pays the fare in advance
  4. He may not accept, because the vehicle cannot ply for hire there Correct answer.

Explanation

Hackney carriage licensing operates district by district, so a vehicle licensed in District A may not stand or ply for hire in District B. Accepting a hailed fare there is plying for hire without a licence and may also invalidate insurance.

Question 18Licensing law, regulation and the role of the licensing authority

Who fixes the fares charged by hackney carriages in a district outside London?

  1. Each licensed driver individually
  2. The Secretary of State for Transport by regulations
  3. The local bus operators' association
  4. The district council Correct answer.

Explanation

The district council, as licensing authority, fixes the fares and sets out a table of fares which must be available for inspection and displayed in the vehicle. A driver who charges more than the authorised fare commits an offence.

Question 19Licensing law, regulation and the role of the licensing authority

What must a licensed driver do with the driver's badge issued by the licensing authority?

  1. Leave it at the operator's office between jobs
  2. Keep it in the glovebox of the vehicle
  3. Display it only in the vehicle's windscreen
  4. Wear it visibly while driving for hire Correct answer.

Explanation

The driver's badge identifies the individual licence holder and must be worn so that it is visible to passengers while the driver is working. The vehicle plate and licence identify the vehicle, which is a separate requirement.

Question 20Licensing law, regulation and the role of the licensing authority

For how long must a licensed private hire operator keep records of bookings?

  1. At least twelve months
  2. At least twenty-eight days
  3. At least six months Correct answer.
  4. At least three years

Explanation

Operators are required to keep records of bookings for at least six months and to produce them to the licensing authority on request. The records allow the council to check that work is properly pre-booked and traceable.

Question 21Licensing law, regulation and the role of the licensing authority

How is the role of the licensing authority in taxi and private hire licensing best described?

  1. An administrative function exercised fairly on relevant considerations Correct answer.
  2. A judicial function exercised by the Crown Court
  3. A purely ministerial function with no discretion
  4. A commercial function, deciding which businesses may trade

Explanation

The authority exercises a discretionary licensing function, but it must act lawfully, consistently and fairly, taking account of relevant considerations and ignoring irrelevant ones. It is not a commercial competitor and not a court.

Question 22Licensing law, regulation and the role of the licensing authority

An applicant for a private hire operator's licence has a spent conviction for theft from fifteen years ago. How may the licensing authority treat it?

  1. It must disregard it, because the conviction is spent
  2. It may take it into account only with the applicant's consent
  3. It must refuse the application automatically because of the conviction
  4. It may take it into account, because spent convictions may be considered Correct answer.

Explanation

Taxi and private hire licensing is an exempted activity under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975, so spent convictions may be considered and must be disclosed. The authority still has to judge relevance and proportionality.

Question 23Licensing law, regulation and the role of the licensing authority

A private hire vehicle licensed in the district arrives at a hackney carriage rank where taxis are waiting for fares. Which statement is correct?

  1. It may wait at the rank if no hackney carriage is present
  2. It must not stand there, because only hackney carriages may ply for hire Correct answer.
  3. It may wait at the rank for up to fifteen minutes
  4. It may wait at the rank provided that the driver stays in the vehicle at all times

Explanation

Private hire vehicles are prohibited from standing on a street or at a rank to solicit fares; they may only undertake work that has been pre-booked with a licensed operator. Waiting at a rank is plying for hire and puts the driver's licence at risk.

Question 24Licensing law, regulation and the role of the licensing authority

On an appeal against a licensing authority's refusal to grant a licence, the magistrates' court:

  1. May only review whether the council's decision was reasonable
  2. Hears the matter afresh and may grant the licence itself Correct answer.
  3. May only award compensation to the applicant
  4. Must remit the matter to the council in every case

Explanation

The statutory appeal operates as a rehearing, so the court considers the merits of the application rather than merely reviewing the council's reasoning. It may grant the licence, vary conditions or dismiss the appeal.

Question 25Licensing law, regulation and the role of the licensing authority

When a licensing authority refuses an application, what should it do so that the applicant's position is protected?

  1. Publish the refusal in a local newspaper
  2. Do nothing, because licensing decisions cannot be challenged
  3. Refer the decision to the Secretary of State for Transport for approval
  4. Notify the applicant in writing of the decision and any right of appeal Correct answer.

Explanation

The applicant must be notified of the decision in writing so that the twenty-one day appeal period can run and the right of appeal can be exercised. Publication and central government approval play no part in the process.

Question 26Licensing law, regulation and the role of the licensing authority

Outside London, which body is responsible for granting hackney carriage and private hire licences in a district?

  1. The local police force
  2. The regional transport authority
  3. The county council for the area
  4. The district council for the area Correct answer.

Explanation

The district council, or a unitary authority, is the taxi and private hire licensing authority outside London. County councils and police forces do not grant these licences, and there is no regional transport authority with that role.

Question 27Licensing law, regulation and the role of the licensing authority

How must a private hire vehicle be hired?

  1. By hailing it in the street
  2. By waiting at a hackney carriage stand
  3. By paying the driver at a bus stop
  4. Through a booking made with a licensed operator Correct answer.

Explanation

A private hire vehicle must be pre-booked through a licensed private hire operator. It cannot be hailed in the street or wait at a rank to pick up passengers who have not booked.

Question 28Licensing law, regulation and the role of the licensing authority

What principle applies to the fees a licensing authority sets for taxi and private hire licences?

  1. Fees must always be zero to encourage applications
  2. Fees must be set at the highest level the market will bear
  3. Fees should recover the reasonable costs of administering the licensing regime Correct answer.
  4. Fees are fixed centrally by the Secretary of State

Explanation

Licensing authorities may charge fees to recover the reasonable costs of administering taxi and private hire licensing. They should not use the fee regime to make a profit or to raise general revenue.

Question 29Licensing law, regulation and the role of the licensing authority

Which medical standard are taxi and private hire drivers normally expected to meet?

  1. The standard for a heavy goods vehicle driver only
  2. No medical standard is required
  3. The DVLA Group 2 medical standard Correct answer.
  4. The standard for a standard car driving licence (Group 1)

Explanation

Statutory guidance expects taxi and private hire drivers to meet the DVLA Group 2 medical standard. That is the higher standard applied to professional drivers because of the nature of the work.

Question 30Licensing law, regulation and the role of the licensing authority

Before a district council outside London can license private hire vehicles under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, what must it have done?

  1. Adopted Part II of that Act for its area Correct answer.
  2. Passed a local Act of Parliament
  3. Held a referendum of local taxpayers
  4. Obtained a licence from the Secretary of State

Explanation

Part II of the 1976 Act applies only where the district council has adopted it for its area. Adoption brings private hire vehicle, driver and operator licensing into force in that district.

Question 31Licensing law, regulation and the role of the licensing authority

What is the main purpose of the National Register of Taxi and Private Hire Licence Revocations and Refusals (NR3S)?

  1. To record refusals and revocations so licensing authorities can check an applicant's history Correct answer.
  2. To record vehicle MOT results for licensed vehicles
  3. To list every licensed driver in England and Wales
  4. To publish the fares set by each licensing authority

Explanation

The NR3S records people whose taxi or private hire licences have been refused or revoked. Licensing authorities can use it to check whether an applicant has a history that may be relevant to fitness.

Question 32Licensing law, regulation and the role of the licensing authority

In an application for a private hire operator's licence, what is meant by the "operating centre"?

  1. The premises from which bookings are accepted and records are kept Correct answer.
  2. The driver's home address
  3. The address where each vehicle is kept overnight
  4. The council office where the licence is issued

Explanation

The operating centre is the base from which the private hire operator carries on business. It is the premises from which bookings are accepted and where records are kept.

Question 33Licensing law, regulation and the role of the licensing authority

Which of these is a condition a district council may attach to a hackney carriage vehicle licence?

  1. A condition about the age, type or condition of the vehicle Correct answer.
  2. A condition that the vehicle may be used as a private hire vehicle without a booking
  3. A condition that the driver may set fares without regulation
  4. A condition that the driver must vote in local elections

Explanation

Councils may impose conditions on hackney carriage vehicle licences, commonly covering the vehicle's age, type, safety and appearance. Conditions cannot require a driver to vote, allow unregulated fares or authorise unlawful private hire use.

Question 34Licensing law, regulation and the role of the licensing authority

To whom may a licensing authority delegate its taxi and private hire licensing functions?

  1. Any licensed taxi driver
  2. A committee, sub-committee or authorised officer of the authority Correct answer.
  3. The Secretary of State
  4. The local police commander

Explanation

A licensing authority may arrange for its licensing functions to be discharged by a committee, sub-committee or authorised officer under its constitution. It cannot delegate them to the police, central government or an arbitrary licence holder.

Question 35Licensing law, regulation and the role of the licensing authority

Which use of a licensed private hire vehicle is exempt from the requirement for a prior booking through a licensed operator?

  1. A vehicle flagged down by a passenger in the street
  2. A vehicle accepting a fare at a hackney carriage rank
  3. A vehicle hired under a contract for a period of at least seven days Correct answer.
  4. A vehicle waiting at a railway station for passing passengers

Explanation

The 1976 Act exempts certain contract hire of seven days or more from the operator-booking requirement. The other uses amount to unlawful plying for hire by a private hire vehicle.

Question 36Licensing law, regulation and the role of the licensing authority

What power does an authorised officer of a licensing authority have in relation to licensed private hire vehicles?

  1. To grant a licence immediately at the roadside
  2. To set the fare for the journey
  3. To arrest the driver without a warrant
  4. To inspect the vehicle and require production of relevant documents Correct answer.

Explanation

Authorised officers may inspect licensed private hire vehicles and require production of relevant documents to check compliance and safety. They do not have power to arrest without a warrant, set fares or grant licences at the roadside.

Question 37Road safety, traffic law and driver responsibilities

You are driving along a road lined with street lamps and there are no speed limit signs. What is the national speed limit that applies?

  1. 30 mph Correct answer.
  2. 20 mph
  3. 60 mph
  4. 40 mph

Explanation

Where a road has street lighting at intervals of about 200 yards or less and no repeater signs, the built-up area limit of 30 mph applies. A different limit applies only where signs make it clear.

Question 38Road safety, traffic law and driver responsibilities

What is the legal minimum tread depth for the tyres of a car or light van?

  1. 2.0 mm across the outer edges
  2. 1.0 mm across the whole tread
  3. 3.0 mm in the centre band only
  4. 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters Correct answer.

Explanation

Car and light van tyres must have at least 1.6 mm of tread across the central three-quarters of the tyre's width and around the entire circumference. Tyres below this, or with cuts or bulges, make the vehicle unroadworthy.

Question 39Road safety, traffic law and driver responsibilities

At a roadside eyesight check, from what distance must you be able to read a standard number plate?

  1. 25 metres
  2. 15 metres
  3. 10 metres
  4. 20 metres Correct answer.

Explanation

Drivers must be able to read a car number plate in good daylight, with glasses or contact lenses if worn, from 20 metres. Failing this means you are not fit to drive and may be reported.

Question 40Road safety, traffic law and driver responsibilities

In dry conditions, what is the minimum time gap the Highway Code advises you to keep behind the vehicle in front?

  1. One second
  2. Half a second
  3. Two seconds Correct answer.
  4. Four seconds

Explanation

The two-second rule gives you time to react and stop if the vehicle ahead slows suddenly. In wet weather the gap should be at least doubled, and in icy conditions increased to around ten times.

Question 41Road safety, traffic law and driver responsibilities

In England and Wales, what is the legal alcohol limit measured in breath?

  1. 22 micrograms per 100 millilitres
  2. 80 micrograms per 100 millilitres
  3. 35 micrograms per 100 millilitres Correct answer.
  4. 50 micrograms per 100 millilitres

Explanation

The limit in England and Wales is 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, equivalent to 80 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood. Scotland has a lower limit of 22 micrograms, so a driver close to the limit must be careful when crossing the border.

Question 42Road safety, traffic law and driver responsibilities

You are approaching a pelican crossing and the light shows a flashing amber signal. What must you do?

  1. Stop and wait until the signal turns green
  2. Sound your horn to hurry pedestrians along
  3. Reverse away from the crossing until it clears
  4. Give way to any pedestrian still on the crossing Correct answer.

Explanation

A flashing amber light means you must give way to pedestrians already on the crossing, but you may proceed if it is clear. A steady red light, by contrast, means you must stop and wait.

Question 43Road safety, traffic law and driver responsibilities

When may you enter a yellow box junction?

  1. As soon as the traffic lights turn green
  2. When the vehicle ahead begins to move
  3. When the exit is clear Correct answer.
  4. When you are following a bus

Explanation

You must not enter a box junction unless your exit road or lane is clear. The one exception is when you are turning right and are only prevented from doing so by oncoming traffic or other vehicles waiting to turn right.

Question 44Road safety, traffic law and driver responsibilities

How must a private hire vehicle journey be arranged?

  1. By prior booking with an operator Correct answer.
  2. By flagging it at a rank
  3. By hailing it in the street
  4. By paying the driver in cash

Explanation

Private hire journeys must be booked in advance through a licensed operator; the driver cannot accept a fare from someone hailing the vehicle in the street. Only hackney carriages may be hailed or picked up at a rank.

Question 45Road safety, traffic law and driver responsibilities

At what age does a car normally need its first MOT test?

  1. Two years
  2. Three years Correct answer.
  3. One year
  4. Five years

Explanation

Cars in England, Scotland and Wales need an MOT once they are three years old, and then annually. Driving without a current test certificate when one is due is an offence.

Question 46Road safety, traffic law and driver responsibilities

A child aged 12 is travelling in the rear of your taxi and is not wearing a seat belt. Who is legally responsible?

  1. The registered keeper
  2. The child's parent, wherever they are
  3. The driver of the vehicle Correct answer.
  4. The child

Explanation

The driver is responsible for ensuring that passengers under 14 wear a seat belt or use the correct child restraint. Passengers aged 14 and over are responsible for themselves.

Question 47Road safety, traffic law and driver responsibilities

What is the fixed penalty for using a hand-held mobile phone while driving?

  1. Twelve points and a £500 fine
  2. Six points and a £200 fine Correct answer.
  3. Three points and a £100 fine
  4. Two points and a £50 fine

Explanation

Using a hand-held phone while driving carries six penalty points and a £200 fixed penalty, and newly qualified drivers have their licence revoked at six points. The offence also applies when stationary in traffic or at a red light.

Question 48Road safety, traffic law and driver responsibilities

You are involved in a collision and cannot exchange details with the other party at the scene. Within what period must you report it to the police?

  1. 12 hours
  2. 48 hours
  3. 24 hours Correct answer.
  4. 72 hours

Explanation

You must stop, give your details, and if that is not possible report the collision to the police as soon as reasonably practicable and in any event within 24 hours. Failing to stop or report is a serious offence.

Question 49Road safety, traffic law and driver responsibilities

A blind passenger with an assistance dog wants to travel in your licensed taxi. What are you required to do?

  1. Carry the dog only for an additional fare
  2. Ask the passenger to book a larger vehicle
  3. Carry the dog without charging extra Correct answer.
  4. Refuse unless the dog is muzzled

Explanation

Under the Equality Act 2010, drivers of taxis and private hire vehicles must carry assistance dogs without making an additional charge. A driver can only refuse if they hold a valid medical exemption certificate issued by the licensing authority.

Question 50Road safety, traffic law and driver responsibilities

Front fog lights should only be used when visibility falls below what distance?

  1. 50 metres
  2. 100 metres Correct answer.
  3. 200 metres
  4. 400 metres

Explanation

Fog lights may be used when visibility is seriously reduced, generally taken as below 100 metres. They must be switched off once visibility improves, as they can dazzle other drivers.