Knowledge Tests

Private Hire Knowledge Test

Each applicant is given 4 attempts to pass the test. They must then take a 3 month break before a further 4 attempts are allowed. You must give 48 hours' notice if you wish to change or cancel a knowledge test appointment, or you will be required to pay the £40.00 again when rebooking. A 2 week break between each test is required to allow further revision. 

The test is conducted on a laptop. All questions are multiple choice with 4 possible answers. Only one is the correct answer. You will be required to pass the following

1. General driving and the Highway Code - you should also study the Highway Code, road safety and vehicle rules on the GOV.UK website as the test will contain questions on current driving  regulations.
2. English and numeracy 
3. Private hire licence policy & conditions - you should read the private hire driver and vehicle Policy & Conditions along with Driver code of Conduct policy and conditions
4. Law - Local Government Miscellaneous Provisions Act 1976 & Town & Police Clauses Act 1847

You must score at least 25 out of the 30 questions asked on the highway code and law questions, plus 10 out of 10 on the arithmetic questions. On each test, the questions are picked randomly from a bank of questions, so each test may have a number of different questions. You are allocated 30 minutes to complete the test. Should you be unsure of the answer to any question, you may miss the question and go back to it at the end if time allows. 

It is suggested you read through the highway code and also the private hire driver policy & conditions

Hackney Carriage Knowledge Test

Each applicant is given 4 attempts to pass the test. They must then take a 3 month break before a further 4 attempts are allowed. You must give 48 hours' notice if you wish to change or cancel a knowledge test appointment, or you will be required to pay the £40.00 again when rebooking. A 2 week break between each test is required to allow further revision. 

The test is conducted on a laptop. All questions are multiple choice with 4 possible answers. Only one is the correct answer. you will be required to pass the following

• general driving and the Highway Code - You should also study the Highway Code, road safety and vehicle rules on the GOV.UK website as the test will contain questions on current driving  regulations.
• English and numeracy 
• Hackney Carriage driver policy  - you should read the hackney carriage driver policy along with the driver code of conduct policy and conditions
• Roads within the Borough of Eastleigh - No assistance will be provided for geographical knowledge of the Eastleigh Borough so it is important that you are familiar with the area, routes, transport hubs, pubs, leisure activities, main tourist attractions and medical centres etc.
• Law - Local Government Miscellaneous Provisions Act 1976 & Town & Police Clauses Act 1847

You must score at least 8 out of the 10 questions asked on highway code and Hackney Carriage driver policy, 14 out of 18 on roads within the Borough and 14 out of 18 on premises questions. On each test, the questions are picked randomly from a bank of questions, so each test may have a number of different questions. You are allocated 40 minutes to complete the test. Should you be unsure of the answer to any question, you may miss the question and go back to it at the end if time allows. 

Members of the licensing team are normally available at Eastleigh House on Monday, Wednesday & Friday from 09:00 to 14:00.  The team are available Monday to Friday 09:00 to 16:00 via telephone or email. To submit any applications an appointment must be made before attending the office.