BRADFORD CITY COUNCIL TAXI DRIVER ASSESSMENT

Important information regarding the
Bradford City Council Taxi Driver Assessment

Check before you book

You must bring the following items to your assessment:

  • an appropriately insured and taxed / licensed vehicle suitable for the assessment with NO DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS SHOWING
  • your appointment letter
  • a UK/NI photo card licence with a printout of your DVSA record
  • click here for details: https://www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence

OR

  • a full British old style paper licence and current passport
  • a current recognisable EU licence and current passport if there is no photo on the licence.

If you do not bring your documents, your assessment may not be conducted and you may lose your fee.

At the centre

REMEMBER

NO LICENCE - NO PHOTO

NO ASSESSMENT

YOU WILL LOSE YOUR FEE!

If your car has a front passenger seat you will need to provide an adjustable interior mirror for the use of the examiner.

Once your're ready, click here to go to booking page

Any Questions? Call us on 01384 442233.


What will happen on your assessment

Bradford City Council wishes to improve the standard of driving in Bradford. The introduction of a higher level driving assessment will improve driver risk awareness, improve fuel efficiency, reduce costs and minimise the opportunity for traffic accidents.

Applicants for a taxi licence will be assessed to a higher standard of driving than would be expected on a normal driving test. It is expected that you as an experienced driver will be able to demonstrate advanced driving skills.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate excellent observation / hazard perception and road positioning which enables them to deliver a safe, systematic, smooth, progressive and balanced drive. In particular the drive should exhibit correct positioning for the hazard, the correct speed and in the correct gear. The driver must always be able to stop safely in the clear distance ahead. (In a position to stop the vehicle in the distance that can be seen to be clear)

Advice and guidance on improved/advanced driving is readily available from various sources including ROSPA, IAM, and SAFED. A study of the Police Driving Manual “Roadcraft” is also recommended along with a good knowledge of the current Highway Code. Both publications are available online and from all good book shops.

The Assessment

The assessment will take a minimum of 60 minutes.

The examiner will verify your identity and check your licence.

You will be asked about your previous driving experience.

At the start of the assessment you will be asked to read a standard number plate at 20.5 metres (67 feet). If glasses or contact lenses are required, you must wear them whenever you drive.

You will be asked a minimum of 6 questions relating to the Highway Code and road traffic signs.

You will be asked to carry out and describe the items inspected during a vehicle safety check.

You must wear a seat belt for the assessment, even if legally exempt.

You should maintain control of the vehicle at all times. The examiner’s role is to carry out an assessment of your driving standard.

The examiner will give clear directions at all times. Unless otherwise directed, follow the road ahead at all times. You will be given sufficient time to carry out any turns safely.

At the start of your drive, you will be asked to demonstrate the vehicle brakes are in working order.

Your assessment drive and what is expected

Precautions - Before starting the engine, ensure you are comfortably seated, mirrors are correctly positioned, and all controls can be safely operated.

Control - Demonstrate a safe, systematic driving style. Information, Take Use and Give (TUG) appropriately to minimise risk. Position the vehicle suitably in accordance with the risk. Maintain a Speed appropriate to risk and compliant with legal requirements. Gear selections should be smooth and appropriate for the terrain, block changing should be used whenever possible. Braking should be smooth, progressive with timely deceleration frequently demonstrated. Acceleration should be smooth and progressive.

Move Off / Stopping - Demonstrate the ability to move off and stop smoothly, safely using correct precautionary observations, e.g. shoulder checks and signals.

Reverse Exercises - Control the vehicle safely whilst reversing to the left, right, or when parking into a bay. Take effective all-round observation throughout the manoeuvre showing consideration to other road users and pedestrians.

Use of Mirrors – Rear observations - Demonstrate effective use of all-round observation, e.g. an effective mirror check/observation before any hand or foot movement.

Signals - Signal clearly to other road users, including pedestrians, to indicate their intention. Give signals in good time, without causing confusion, and cancel on completion.

Response to signs/signals - Understand and comply with all traffic signals, road markings, signs, including those given by Police DVSA, Civil Enforcement Officers or school crossing patrols.

Use of speed - Drive at a speed appropriate to risk, road and weather conditions. Do not exceed legal speed limits.

Following distance - Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles appropriate to the conditions. Position your vehicle to be able to stop safely in an emergency and in traffic queues with sufficient space to pull out if the vehicle in front has problems. (Rear tyres and tarmac should be visible of vehicle in front)

Maintain progress - Drive at a speed appropriate to the road and traffic conditions (risk). Approach hazards at a controlled speed but avoiding undue hesitation or interfering with the progress of other traffic.

Junctions (including Roundabouts) - Assess risk in advance of approach to a junction and safely flow with the traffic, or stop if required. Movement into traffic should be smooth but not cause others to take break or avoidance action.

Judgement - Only overtake when it is safe giving adequate room. Make appropriate allowances for cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians. Do not cut in quickly after overtaking. If there is a hazard or not enough room for two vehicles to pass safely, be prepared to slow or stop.

Positioning - The vehicle must be positioned to maximise the view available without sacrificing safety.

Clearance to obstructions - Allow plenty of room when overtaking vehicles or obstructions and be prepared to slow down or stop.

Pedestrian Crossings - Recognise different types of pedestrian crossing and act accordingly, showing courtesy and consideration towards pedestrians.

Position / Normal stops - Select safe, legal and convenient places to stop. Know how and where to stop without causing danger to other road users.

Awareness / Planning - Identify potential hazards, including other road users in good time. Plan ahead to anticipate actions necessary to react in good time. Demonstrate mechanical sympathy for the vehicle avoiding harsh use of controls.

Vehicle Checks / Ancillaries - Demonstrate a good knowledge of the fundamental safety checks applicable to the vehicle. Understand the function of all the controls and switches.

Drivers view - Allow a clear and unobstructed view of the road ahead – i.e. SAT NAV, PDA, Phones etc are not obscuring the view in any way.

Drivers conduct - Do not show personal frustrations (verbal or otherwise) to other road users under any circumstance.

After the Assessment

The assessment paperwork will be completed, and you will be provided with a copy to give to Bradford Council.

You will be told if you have passed or failed and receive constructive feedback.

The examiner will not enter into any areas of disagreement with you.

The Pass or Fail Marking System

Up to 9 minor faults and no dangerous or serious faults – Pass.

10 or more minor faults – Fail

5 or more minor faults in the same section e.g. steering or speeding or use of mirrors – Fail.

2 or more repeat faults e.g. incorrect signalling, poor observation – Fail.

1 serious fault – Fail.

1 dangerous fault – Fail.

Failure to answer a Highway Code question correctly counts as a minor fault.