The ability to convey persons both in and around the Havant Borough, and to further afield destinations (such as airports and tourist destinations), with confidence is essential for hackney carriage and private hire drivers. All new applicants for a Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Drivers Licence will be required to undertake a knowledge test, by way of a formal examination.
The knowledge test is held at least once per month at the Public Service Plaza and consists of a written test taken under exam conditions. Participants are required to answer questions relating to several subjects, designed collectively to examine and demonstrate a competent level of understanding of the relevant legal obligations, Council policy and working knowledge of the Borough and surrounding areas:
If you require additional support with completing a written knowledge test, please contact the Licensing Team to discuss reasonable adjustments.
You will be invited to book your knowledge test when you attend your driver interview. You will be required to pay the fee via telephone using a credit/debit card, as per the prices for Council services.
You will be given a date and time for your test, which will be confirmed via email. We require you to arrive 15 minutes in advance of the test’s start time so that we can explain the test procedure and answer any questions you may have. If you arrive late to the test, you will not be permitted to sit the test on that date and will be required to book again.
It is recommended that participants spend time preparing for the test to ensure that they are equipped with the relevant knowledge and understanding. You can prepare for your knowledge test by doing the following:
You must bring a form of photographic ID, such as a driving licence, to the test. You will not be able to sit the test without this.
You will be taking the knowledge test in a room with other participants, under exam conditions (which means silence throughout the test). No electronic devices, such as mobile phones, smartwatches or tablets may be used during the test - participants will be asked to switch off these items and leave them at the front of the room. Participants may not use revision notes or maps. At least two members of the Licensing Team will be present throughout the test to ensure that exam conditions are maintained.
The test paper consists of eight sections, all primarily made up of multiple-choice questions. You will be required to write down some answers.
The test lasts for two hours. Participants who complete their test sooner may leave the room quietly after handing their completed paper to the attending officer.
After you have competed your test paper, it will be submitted for marking by a member of the Licensing Team. The pass mark is 80%.
We aim to mark test papers and notify you of the result within 7 working days of the test date. If you do not meet the required pass mark, you will be invited to book another knowledge test (and pay the relevant fee). No refunds are given for failed tests.
If you fail three knowledge tests in a row, your application will be refused and a new application will not be considered until at least 12 months have elapsed from the date of the last failure.