Vehicle knowledge, roadworthiness and maintenance
Walk-round checks every shift
A licensed vehicle must be roadworthy at all times, not merely on inspection day. Operational concepts: pre-use walk-round checks, a written defect-reporting system, planned preventive maintenance, MOT (annually once the vehicle is three years old) and any additional licensing inspections the council requires - often twice a year.
Check tyres for tread depth (legal minimum 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the breadth and around the whole circumference), condition and pressure measured cold; lights and indicators; horn; wipers and washers; mirrors; fluid levels (engine oil, coolant, screenwash, brake fluid); warning lights; brakes and parking brake; seat belts, buckles and mountings; doors and child locks; and any specialist equipment - ramps, wheelchair tie-downs and restraints, fire extinguisher and first-aid kit.
Licensing equipment matters too: the taximeter must be sealed, in calibration and correct for the current table of fares; the vehicle licence plate and door signage must be displayed as required; hackney carriages carry a roof sign.
Traps: a warning light is a defect to report, not to ignore until the end of the shift; tread measured only at one point can hide an illegal patch; a fare change requires meter recalibration, and using an uncalibrated meter is an offence. Never carry out repairs beyond your competence.
Rule of thumb - POWDERY: Petrol, Oil, Water, Damage, Electrics, Rubber, Yourself. If any letter fails, the vehicle stays off the road until it is put right.