Book a taxi driver knowledge test

Book a Knowledge Test online

You can book and pay for a Knowledge Test online. You are able to do this at any time of the week, day or night, giving you more flexibility. You are also able to rebook if you are unable to make the date, up to 24 hours before the test is due to start.

The Booking and Payment facility for knowledge tests also gives you the option to sit a test in a different location to the district you are planning to work in. Tests run in Cotswold, West Oxfordshire and Forest of Dean District Councils, giving you the option of an earlier date or a more convenient location to where you live. You will sit the test paper for the area you are applying to work in.

You will need a debit or credit card to pay for the knowledge test, an idea of dates you can do, the type of licence you need to book and the location.

Licence Fees and Charges 2024 to 2025 - pdf - 235 Kb

You are able to move a date or cancel a date but you need to be aware that refunds are not available.

We recommend you view all the the steps of what it takes to become a driver, so you are aware of all requirements before booking.

Book a Taxi Knowledge Test

Phone to book a Knowledge Test

Call Cotswold District Council to book a place and pay for your Taxi Driver Knowledge Test.

Before you do this, check that you have an answer to the following:

I am over 18 years of age
I have a current UK drivers licence
I have the right to work in the UK (check your right to work in the UK)
I have no criminal convictions that bar me from applying for a taxi driver licence with Cotswold District Council. (check your Criminal Record Status).

Our colleagues in Customer Service will be ready to take your call and be able to book you onto the next available date for a knowledge test in your area. To help them to help you efficiently, have a payment card ready.

Our colleague will be able to take payment over the phone and generate a receipt for you. They can email a copy of the receipt to you after the call.

If you need to move the date and time of your test, you can do this without losing money, if you call us no later than 24 hours before the test date and time. You need to be aware no refunds are available. We will need the most recent LIC number to change your booking.

Our Customer Service colleague will also need to know which type of licence you are applying for because the tests are tailored to:

Dual Drivers (Hackney Carriage and Private Hire)
Private Hire Drivers.

What to bring to your Test

You must bring your passport or photocard driving licence with you so you can be identified before the test takes place. This is in a quiet room with others sitting the tests. If you do not hold a UK passport you will need to bring additional documentation showing you have the right to work in the UK (check your right to work in the UK).

No mobile phones or other electronic devices, maps or calculators can be brought into the test room. In the event that this happens, we would ask you to leave the test, you would forfeit the result and payment for the test. It will be at the discretion of the Licensing Service Leader whether you would be accepted to pay for and resit a test with Cotswold District Council. This is to ensure fairness to all applicants.

You are welcome to bring water with you.

Preparing for the Knowledge Test

We recommend that you go to the following information in our Hackney carriage and private hire policy 3. Annex 3 Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Drivers - Knowledge Test Guidance.

You will be tested on the content of this policy document and it lists the other sections on your test. It also gives you the pass mark for your test and more information on what to read, learn and revise.

Your results

Taken your test? Results will be with you by email within 5 working days of the test date.

Passed?

Congratulations! Please return to your checklist and complete the details of your successful test.

Unsuccessful on your first attempt?

Please return to your checklist and complete the details of your unsuccessful test and return to this point for advice on what to do next.

You can rebook a second attempt at the test or you can book online as soon as you are ready. You will need to pay for a second attempt. We would recommend that you give yourself time to revise the subject areas again.

Unsuccessful on your second attempt?

We are sorry to hear that. Please return to your checklist and complete the details of your second unsuccessful test. Unfortunately, you are unable to retake a test again until 6 months have passed from the date of your last test. Make a note of the earliest time you can rebook.

We do not advise moving forward with other checks at this point because your DBS check and medical checks have limited valid time frames. You may want to start preparing a few months before you can take your test again.

Please note if you pass, the test result is valid for 6 months, after which time you will need to retake the test. This is important if there is a delay on some of your other checks, such as a medical.

For example, the GP carrying out your medical assessment discovers uncontrolled high blood pressure, advises a course of medication for some months and re-assesses you as fit to drive after your high blood pressure is controlled.

This type of delay could mean your test result is out of time and needs to be retaken.

Step by step guide to applying for a Taxi Driver Licence (New applicant)