How To Pass The Gedling Taxi Knowledge Test
This article will guide you to compelting your Combined Hackney and Private Hire Badge for Gedling Borough Council
What is the exam format:
40 questions in total
30/40 to pass the test
25 questions on landmarks
5 questions on money
5 questions on road signs
How to begin:
The first step in applying for your Private hire licence is to book a knowledge test. You can do this byÂ
- Call them on 0115 901 3971 to confirm your booking you’ll need to make payment over the phone so have your debit card ready.
- In person at the Civic Centre, Arnot Hill Park, NG5 6LU you can pay in cash, with a cheque or debit card at our kiosk.Â
Medical test:
The first step in applying for your Private hire licence is to book a knowledge test. You can do this byÂ
- Call them on 0115 901 3971 to confirm your booking you’ll need to make payment over the phone so have your debit card ready.
- In person at the Civic Centre, Arnot Hill Park, NG5 6LU you can pay in cash, with a cheque or debit card at our kiosk.Â
2. Medical Test
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Dr Clamp and Dr Connor. They can be contacted on 07802 850084 or by visiting the AC Medical Services website at www.acmedical.co.ukÂ
Data Barring and Disclosure
Safeguarding exam
Safeguarding test = free – booked by Nottingham City Council Loxley House
Station Street
Nottingham
NG2 3NG
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Tel: 0115 876 4762
MOT test and plating
The car must be 6 years old at the initial time of plating –
It just needs to keep passing to keep being used.
MOT = £252 – every 6 months
Where can you drive?
UBER covers everywhere until Northampton not over that. Nottingham – Manchester – Derby – Leicester – Birmingham – Liverpool – Blackpool – Chester
Where can you drive?
Bolt anywhere in the country
Where can you drive?
Taxi bases in Nottingham
Nottingham Cars: 0115 970 0700
DG Taxis: 0115 9 500 500
Application for a Combined Hackney Carriage
Private Hire Drivers Licence
This is a combined licence, which entitles the holder to drive Hackney Carriages and Private Hire Vehicles licensed by Gedling Borough Council. A Hackney carriage driver may work independently with a Hackney Carriage, whereas a Private Hire Driver must always work with a licensed operator.
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To apply for a driver licence an applicant must be at least 18 years old and have held a full British Driving Licence for at least one year. The DVLA driving licence must be presented upon submission of the application form.
Applying for an Initial Licence
You will need to complete the following forms available in an ‘initial application pack-up’, from the Gedling Borough Council, Civic Centre
Arnot Hill Park, Arnold, Nottingham, NG5 6LU or by telephoning 0115 901 3901Â enquiries@gedling.gov.uk
An application form
An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) disclosure form
A DVLA mandate form, signed and dated
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A Medical Form (You will be advised to make a medical examination appointment after your DBS and DVLA have been returned to Licensing from the outside agencies and are found to be in order)
Applying for an Initial Licence
These forms (other than medical) are then to be submitted along with the following documents
Current driving licence issued by DVLA
Three written character references from someone who has known you for a period of 5 years or more (not from relatives or your local Councillor)
NOTE: This is if you are not able to get a DBS check from your
home country or police station.
Applying for an Initial
Licence
Three recent passport size photographs
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Taxi Licensing Fees payable by cheque, card or postal order (cash not acceptable)
Applying for an Initial Licence
Please note that following the receipt of an initial application it can take 4 weeks to complete the process due to the Licensing Office awaiting confirmation of checks from the Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS), DVLA and any medical report.
Driving Tests
You must attend for your test at the specified time. Applicants who report late may forfeit their test and will be charged a re-test fee.
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If you are unable to attend for your appointment you must cancel the test by telephoning 0115 915 9532 at least 48 hours before the time scheduled for the test. You will not then be charged.
Driving Tests
The driving test will be of 30 minutes duration and you must demonstrate to the examiner your ability to handle the vehicle safely and competently in a range of situations and traffic conditions. At the end of the driving test the applicant will be asked a series of questions from the current Highway Code. On successful completion of the test, the applicant will be issued with a pass certificate which requires to be submitted to the Licensing Section.
Driving Tests
Driving tests booked by Licensing Support Officer for applicant when DBS and DVLA have been returned and are satisfactory
All new applicants will be subject to an assessment of driving, by taking a driving test.
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You must have your valid, signed drivers licence when you report for the test and proof of Insurance for the vehicle. The examiner will not conduct your test without them.
Driving Tests
The applicant must provide for the test, a suitable four door saloon, hatchback or estate car. Open top cars or commercial vehicles are not acceptable. The vehicle to be used must be legally taxed, insured and in roadworthy condition, though not a licensed vehicle.
Topography Test
Topography test booked by Licensing Support Officer for applicant when DBS and DVLA have been returned and are satisfactory
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A Topography test will be required to be taken to test knowledge of the local areas within the City of Nottingham boundary, which also includes a section to ensure the applicant is familiar with the conditions regarding Hackney Carriage and Private Hire work. (See ‘Conditions’ sheets and Topography Test information contained in your initial application form pack up).
Topography Test
The test consists of 40 questions with a pass score of 30 to pass. The test duration is 40 minutes.
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On successful completion of all tests, a driver’s licence will be issued. A licence is required to be deposited with the private hire operator you are intending to work for or hackney carriage proprietor/owner before you can commence work.
Applying to Renew Drivers
Licence
Each year a renewal form will be sent to your recorded address. (Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure your licence is renewed before it expires). On receipt of your renewal notification (this is sent 2 months prior to the expiry of your current licence). You should arrange an appointment to bring the following in to Licensing Reception:
The renewal letter
Completed Renewal application form
Completed DVLA Mandate
1 x Passport Sized photograph
DVLA Driving Licence (paper or both parts)
Current fee  (cash not acceptable)
An application to renew a licence will not be accepted if it is more than one month following the expiry date of the licence (without reasonable cause). No shortened/temporary licence will be granted and any application made after that time will be treated as a ‘new’ application and you will need to go through the same procedure as that specified for the grant of an initial licence.
When a renewal licence has been granted and processed, the applicant will be contacted and required to return the expired/expiring drivers badge to the Licensing Office and in turn be issued with their ‘new’ driver’s badge. (Please note: The drivers badge is a controlled item and as such requires returning to Licensing).
Failure to return drivers badge may lead to a delay in issuing the ‘new’ badge until the Licensing Office receive:
Fee for replacing badge (currently £10.00)
Letter of confirmation from applicant as to reason for not returning drivers badge
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Police ‘crime number’ – re: lost/stolen drivers badge
Responsibility
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Drive carelessly or dangerously, and you risk the safety of your passengers and other road users. When a taxi is involved in a collision it is likely that it will be carrying passengers at the time and therefore there is greater potential for more people to be injured.
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You must show responsibility towards all other road users, as well as to your passengers. If you act hastily you risk endangering others.
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Drive properly, and your passengers will arrive safely at their destination.
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As a professional driver you have a part to play in making sure road traffic incidents do not happen. Human error is the main cause of most collisions on the road. High-quality training should help you to avoid making such errors and reduce your risk of being involved in road traffic incidents.
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Sometimes incidents are caused by the mechanical failure of vehicle components. The way you drive can affect the life of these components. Drivers who demonstrate a high degree of expertise reduce the risk of incidents happening. So, be responsible for driving your vehicle safely and sensibly at all times.
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Mobile phones and radio
communication equipment
It is illegal to operate a hand-held mobile phone or similar
device while driving. No driver should use a mobile communication device while in control of a moving vehicle
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Never use a hand-held microphone or similar device while driving.
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You should always find a safe and convenient place to stop before using
such equipment. If your taxi is fitted with a communications radio or
telephone, you should only use it while driving if it is fitted with a
hands-free microphoneÂ
Even using hands-free equipment is likely to distract your attention from
the road.
It is far safer not to use any such equipment or to try to tune the radio
while driving.Â
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https://www.gov.uk/using-mobile-phones-when-driving-the-law
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Many companies consider the wearing of headphones or earpieces (including portable media players such as iPods) while driving to be a disciplinary offence. Your professionalism is important – being seen using a mobile phone or other similar device while driving undermines the taxi company’s image, and could also make your passengers feel uncomfortable and unsafe.
Most operators will encourage drivers to keep a mobile on silent – messages or missed calls should be checked when you are stopped in an appropriate place (not while in a queue of traffic or stopped at traffic lights).Â
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You should be aware that if you do use a mobile phone while driving and you are caught by the police, you will be prosecuted and this could ultimately impact on your taxi licence. Even using a hands-free system can divert your attention from the road. It is far safer not to use any such equipment until you’ve found a safe place to stop.
 If you have to use one in a genuine emergency, ‘keep it short and simple’ (KISS). Any activity that reduces concentration while driving is dangerous. Be sensible, be professional and only listen to messages at safe and appropriate stops during your shift.
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Attitude
No matter how good, how fast, how expensive or how efficient your vehicle is, it is you, the driver, who determines whether it is a safe means of transport. Driver skill and driver attitude are two key areas that determine your approach behind the wheel. Having the right attitude while driving is one of the hardest things to teach a new driver and more importantly, get them to use. As a professional driver your attitude to other road users should set a good example for all to follow.
A great deal of pleasure and enjoyment can be gained from demonstrating the correct skills and attitude. Apart from the reward of a nod or a smile of appreciation, you will get the added satisfaction of knowing you are making the roads much safer. The qualities that make someone a good driver include:
 • responsibility
 • concentration
 • anticipation
 • patience
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 • confidence
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The fact that you as a professional driver are on the road for longer periods of time means that you are in the public eye longer and therefore need to maintain the skills that go to make up the correct attitude, such as:
 Courtesy
 Patience
 Tolerance
 Understanding
 Consideration
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The right attitude and behaviour are the key factors to being a good driver. Being a good driver does not mean you are a perfect driver; it is doubtful such a thing exists. Nevertheless you should strive at all times to reflect all the factors that set you as a professional driver above the rest.
What is a Permitted Taxi in a
Bus Lane?
Wheelchair accessible
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Use of the horn
The horn on some vehicles can be quite powerful, horns and their use should be strictly confined to the guidance set out in The Official Highway Code – it should only be used ‘while your vehicle is moving and you need to warn other road users of your presence.
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Never use the horn aggressively.
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You MUST NOT use your horn:
• while stationary on the road
• while driving in a built up area between the hours of 11.30 pm and 7.00 am; except when another road user poses a danger.
Remember, your horn should not be used to indicate your arrival for a fare
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Attitude
Speed You can never justify driving too fast just because you have to reach a given location by a specific time. Do not be tempted to drive faster when you’ve fallen behind in your schedule and are trying to make up time. If an incident happens and you injure someone there is no possible defence for your actions.
Passenger care
Caring for your passengers is an important part of taxi driving. As the driver, you are responsible for the comfort and safety of your passengers as they get into and out of your vehicle as well as during the journey.
Your job is to convey your passengers to their destination:
• safely
• comfortably
• efficientlyÂ
• in a courteous manner.
 It includes the care of your passengers as you pick them
up and drop them off at their destination in a safe and
convenient place.
Passenger Seat Belts
Passengers MUST wear seat belts where they are fitted.
• Adult passengers and children aged 14 and over are responsible for their own actions.
 • You are responsible for ensuring that children under 14 years of age wear their seat belts.
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 It is unreasonable to expect the right child seat or booster to be available in a taxi unless a parent or carer has brought it with them.
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There is therefore a qualified exception, if child restraints are not available in a licensed taxi
 • a child under three years old may travel unrestrained but in the rear only – this is the only exemption for a child under three years old
 • a child aged three years and above MUST use an adult belt in the rear seat only.
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 Remember, you are the representative of your taxi company and how well you perform your role reflects on them Any child up to 135 cm (approx 4 feet 5 inches) in a front seat of any vehicle MUST use the seat belts or child restraints available. Regardless of the size or age of a passenger you must ensure they are correctly seated and their seat belt is fitted before moving off.
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Payment of fares
If a passenger refuses to pay their fare, you should not get into a situation where aggression or violence is allowed to develop.
 Where possible take the individuals name and address, note the reasons why they are refusing to make payment and pass this information onto your depot manager so he can take the necessary steps to address the issue.
 A passenger has a legal obligation to pay a fare providing no extenuating circumstances led to an increase in that fare which were not of their making.
Taximeters
A taximeter is a device fitted into a taxi which records a distance and where necessary a ‘waiting time’ that is chargeable and will translate this into a fare to be paid in Pounds Sterling.Â
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A Nottingham Hackney taxi MUST also have a ‘FOR HIRE’ sign which is visible from the outside and a taximeter MUST at all times be visible to a passenger in the vehicle. A taxi fitted with a taximeter must display a ‘fares board’ in a conspicuous place, so passengers can see the regulated fares and increment rates.
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Maintenance of Taximeters
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It is your responsibility as a taxi driver to ensure that your taximeter is working and complies with the legal requirements.
Taximeters are checked and sealed during the vehicle’s annual inspection to ensure that they are set with the correct regulated fare.
The meter is sealed to ensure that the setting and calibration cannot be tampered with. It is an offence to tamper with a taximeter.
 If a taximeter becomes defective, including a broken seal it MUST be reported to the DVLA and immediate steps should be taken to have the meter repaired or replaced.
 You should contact DVLA to arrange an appointment to have the meter checked and resealed.
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 A taximeter MUST be checked and if necessary resealed every 12 months.
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Passengers with Special Needs
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It is important that all taxi drivers recognise, understand and are responsive to the needs of people with disabilities. Attitudes can have a massive effect on the perception that a person with a disability has of public transport and a positive experience can make all the difference. As a professional driver you should always be there to give assistance when it is needed, especially when your passenger has special needs.Â
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Whatever vehicle you drive, be ready to give assistance when an older passenger, or one who has limited mobility, is getting into or out of your vehicle. Some taxis are fitted with special equipment to allow easy access for those who may otherwise find it difficult. If you have this equipment, make full use of it to improve your passenger’s comfort.
Special fittings can include:Â
• an intermediate step
• a swivel seatÂ
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• a ramp and wheelchair fittings.
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What is a Permitted Taxi in a
Bus Lane?
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Wheelchair accessible
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Equality Act - The Law
It is unlawful for transport providers to treat disabled people less favourably than those without a disability.Â
It is illegal for taxi operators to:
 • discriminate against people with disabilities; for example, by refusing to allow someone to board a vehicle simply because they have special needs
• treat people with disabilities less favourably; for example, by charging them more for a service
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• fail to make a reasonable adjustment to the way they provide that service; for example, by ensuring that any ramp or lift is in working order.
Blind and partially sighted people
There are around 360,000 people registered as blind or partially sighted in the UK. Only a small proportion are totally blind, but you may not be able to tell by their appearance.
Visually impaired people may depend on their local taxi service for mobility.Â
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People who are deaf or hard of hearing
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It is common courtesy to look at people when you speak to them. Just doing that will allow most deaf or hearing-impaired people to understand you.
Good communication also saves time.
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Physical disabilities
People with arthritis, stiff joints, artificial limbs or conditions such as multiple sclerosis will often put up with extra pain (and the impatience of others) rather than ask for extra consideration. For them, courtesy and a smooth ride are important.
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Lifts and Ramps
Make sure that you are thoroughly trained in the safe use of wheelchair lifts, ramps and securing devices. If you drive a vehicle fitted with this equipment, never let untrained people operate it.Â
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Watch out for the safety of others at all times. Some taxis are equipped with hydraulic systems that lower and raise the ramp for wheelchair users. These improve access for disabled and older passengers and it is essential that you are thoroughly trained in the use of such devices and are aware of the principles of safe operation.
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Manual handling technique
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As a taxi driver you may be called upon to load various items of luggage which could be various shapes and sizes and of differing weights.
More than a third of all injuries reported each year which lasted for more than 3 days are caused by poor manual handling techniques – the transporting or supporting of loads by hand or by bodily force.Â
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This impacts on your company’s ability to deliver an effective service and a loss of income for both you and your employer. To reduce the risk of an injury of this nature, you should ensure that you adopt the correct lifting techniques which are set out inÂ
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Diet and Driving Ability
The medical standards that apply to taxi drivers are higher than for car drivers. Many common conditions in middle age, such as heart disease and diabetes, are linked to poor eating habits.
 A sensible approach to food, fluid and caffeine intake can benefit your driving performance and safety in the short term and improve your health in the longer term.Â
This will reduce the risk of an early end to your time working as a driver, either from death or disability, or from withdrawal of your driving licence on medical grounds.
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Vehicle Examination
On completion of the application documentation and submission to the Licensing Office, an appointment will be made for the vehicle to be tested to MOT standard at the Eastcroft works MOT station. An appointment slip will be issued by Licensing Office with the time and date of the test, at the time of submitting application forms.
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The vehicle should be fully prepared in advance for the examination, and should be presented at the MOT station at least 10 minutes prior to the examination time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the examination time or late attendance will incur a fee, and a new examination time will be made and further examination fee paid.
On successful completion of the examination an inspection sheet (and copy) endorsed by the examiner will be issued, which will be recorded on the MOT and Licensing database and file. On Hackney Carriages a licence plate will be attached to brackets front and rear of the vehicle, and an internal licence plate attached to the passenger partition inside the vehicle. On Private Hire vehicles a licence plate will be attached to brackets to the front and rear of the vehicle and an internal licence plate attached to the windscreen in the
top of the screen above the vehicle excise licence (tax disc).
If a vehicle fails the examination an Inspection sheet will be issued outlining what the vehicle failed on and licence plates will not be issued until the points of failure have been rectified and re-inspected to a pass standard.
When the vehicle has been rectified, an appointment requires to be made directly with the Eastcroft MOT Station on 0115 915 2008 for a re-test. A fee will be charged for a re-test payable direct to the Eastcroft MOT Station.
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Within 2 weeks of the vehicle passing its examination, the licence will be sent to your address given on the application form, and if a Private Hire Vehicle, you will be required to deposit the licence with the operator you are working for. If Hackney Carriage, this should be kept by the proprietor/owner of the vehicle
Seating Capacity
In the majority of cases taxi drivers will drive standard saloon or hatch back vehicles with 3 or 4 passenger seats. However in some case you may be driving larger vehicles such as limousines, taxi buses and novelty type vehicles which have a seating capacity greater than 4 but not exceeding 8 excluding the driver. A taxi is defined as a public service vehicle seating not more than eight passengers in addition to the driver. You are therefore committing an offence if you exceed this number. These larger vehicles will have very different handling characteristics. It is important that you are aware of, and understand, the limits relating to any vehicle you drive, including the limits regarding seating capacity.
The seating capacity for a taxi is determined at the time of its annual vehicle inspection. Once a taxi has passed this inspection a plate confirming the seating capacity will be issued. This MUST be displayed on your vehicle in the approved format and position so that passengers, enforcement officers and Nottingham City Council can confirm the legal number of passengers your taxi is authorised to carry. Failure to adhere to the seating capacity for your vehicle may result in prosecution and could impact on your taxi licence.
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It is important that you adhere to the maximum seating capacity for your vehicle and in the unlikely event that you arrive at a pick up and the number of passengers exceeds the number you are legally allowed to carry, you should try to make alternative arrangements (i.e. arrange an additional vehicle for one or more of the passengers), but under no circumstance should you carry any additional passengers. Annual inspection The majority of vehicles used on our roads today must go through an annual inspection. A taxi is no exception and must be presented for inspection every year from new. This inspection is of a similar type to your private car but additional rules apply.
Limits and Regulations
One of these additional rules relates to the production of evidence of taxi vehicle insurance. This can be a cover note of the actual insurance policy. In either case this must be produced at the time of the inspection and comply with all the legal requirements and cover the policy holder (taxi driver) to carry passenger for hire and reward. If your vehicle passes the test a notification letter will be issued. Your vehicle licence and taxi plates will be forwarded to you by post within five working days.
