You must pass safeguarding and knowledge tests if you want to apply for a new private hire, hackney carriage or dual drivers licence. You must also take a customer-awareness training course.

Our guidance gives you advice on how to prepare for the tests but is not intended to be a comprehensive guide.

Register and pay for the test

Complete the test registration form [PDF, 0.2MB].

Phone us on 01223 457000 to pay the fee – ask for ‘taxi’ when prompted. You can call from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. Check the cost of the test on our taxi licensing fees page.

Email the form and receipt to us to complete your application. We will reject your application if you do not send them together.

About the tests and requirements

The safeguarding and knowledge tests and customer awareness training course take place online. There are three parts to the process:

• watch parts 1 and 2 of the customer awareness training course – you can do this in your own time, as many times as you want
• take the safeguarding test – you will have a maximum of  20 minutes
• take the knowledge test – you will have a maximum of  2 hours

The tests will be invigilated. To complete the online invigilation tests, please ensure the below IT requirements are met:

• a laptop/computer with 4GB of available memory as the app will not work on phones, chrome books, or ipads/tablets
• we recommend that candidates source a non-touchscreen device for their exams
• a Windows v7.0+ or Mac10.10+ operating systems. MacOS BigSur users need to upgrade to 11.3+
• Intel Core i3 (or equivalent)
• a working webcam, microphone and speakers
• a minimum candidate internet speed of 2mbps or higher
• we also recommended a screen size of at least 13" and a resolution of 1024 x 768

You must show your DVLA photocard licence when you take the tests. If you do not, you will not be able to take the session and you’ll have to pay the necessary fees again.

Please be aware, you will be asked to show the invigilator the room where you will be completing your test and also show the desk area to ensure you do not have notes, phones and so on. 

You can take each test a maximum of three times. We will reject your application if you do not pass on the third attempt. You must then wait six months from the date of your third attempt before registering to retake the tests.

If you do not complete all elements of the safeguarding and knowledge test within 12 months of applying for a licence, we will remove your details from our system. We will do this even if you have not attempted the tests three times.

Customer awareness training

This course covers everything you need to know to pass the safeguarding test. The session is split into two sections:

• Safeguarding of children, young people and adults at risk
• Equality, protection and customer service

We’ll send you a link to watch the training online when we receive your registration form and fee.

Safeguarding test

The test consists of 15 questions. Each question is multiple choice, with one correct answer and three wrong answers. You must select the answer that you think is correct.

You will be allowed a maximum of 20 minutes to complete the test. You will be told the result at the end of your test.

Knowledge test

The test consists of 100 questions. The test is divided into six sections:

• General
• Points of interest
• Numeracy
• Conditions and policy
• The Highway Code
• Signage

You must attempt every section, and you must score 80% in each to pass.

Each question is multiple choice, with one correct answer and three wrong answers. You must select the answer that you think is correct.

You will be allowed a maximum of two hours to complete the test. You will be told the result at the end of your test.

Test content

It is your responsibility to buy maps and use other resources to learn about Cambridge.

As part of your revision for the test, you’ll need to be confident that you can demonstrate your knowledge of the statutory obligations and council conditions for taxi drivers. You should study our taxi licensing policy and handbook.

Questions will include (but not be limited to) topics such as:

• the difference between hackney carriage and private hire
• how do you charge fares, by meter or quote
• what you should do with the paper licence and badge issued by us
• how and when you should let us know about any convictions, change of address or accident damage
• seat belt laws [PDF, 25Kb]
• how to assist passengers with luggage
• disability awareness

You’ll need to demonstrate your knowledge of Cambridge, including:

• the locations that a resident or visitor might want to go to

Also, must state the street on which various places od interest are located. These places of interest will include (but not be limited to):

• colleges, porter’s lodges and anything to do with university, such as sports grounds, libraries and conference centres
• public houses, nightclubs and members’ clubs
• restaurants and takeaways
• theatres and cinemas
• hospitals
• hotels and bed and breakfasts
• sports centres and swimming pools