Prior to submitting an application for a new Dual Badge Licence, an applicant must complete a Taxi Driving Assessment.

The standard of the taxi driving assessment is set a level suitable for a full DVLA licence holder, and takes into account issues specifically relating to taxi driving. The emphasis is in road safety and safe conveyance of fare paying passengers.

In the case of Hackney Carriage drivers, you will need to take your assessment in the wheelchair accessible vehicle you intend to drive (or a similar type of wheelchair accessible vehicle).

To book the driving assessment, please contact David Plant Driving School by calling 01785 661406 or 07719 878326.

The fee of £70 is required in advance and payable directly to David Plant.

You will be notified at the end of the test whether you have passed or failed.

Please note, a taxi dual badge licence will only be issued once all requirements have been met.

During the test, you will be driving on urban roads, country lanes and also on the motorway. You will be driving for 2 hours. You must satisfy the examiner that you: 

• know how to drive
• have a good knowledge of road safety standards and that you can apply them in practice.
• can drive a taxi well taking into account passengers’ comfort and safety.

You must make sure your vehicle is suitable for the test and you must hold the right driving licence to drive it. The vehicle used for the test must: 

• be a four wheeled motor vehicle of no more than 3.5 tonnes maximum authorised mass (MAM) capable of at least 100km/h
• have a minimum length of 3.96 metres (13 feet) and a maximum length of 6.0 metres (19’8”) and must be suitable to be licensed as a taxi 
• provide a clear view of the road directly behind the vehicle from the front passenger seat

It must be fitted with:

• front and rear seats
• fully functional and properly anchored three point seat belts for the front and rear passenger seats
• a suitable head restraint for the front passenger seat

You must also satisfy the examiner that you:

• have enough mechanical knowledge of the vehicle you are using for the test 
• can deal with emergencies
• can drive the vehicle safely and know how to apply the Highway Code to make safe and relevant decisions
• can carry out two manoeuvres chosen for you by the examiner and an emergency stop.

Please note that the validity of passing the driving assessment is subject to changes in legislation.