Leeds private hire driver tests explained: modules, 80% pass mark and key questions

Leeds's driver training policy lists these requirements for all new applicants:

• an advanced taxi driving test (a practical assessment)
• an English test at ESOL Entry 3 in speaking, listening and reading
• a local knowledge test covering local tourism, routes, sat nav use and local conditions, policies and bylaws
• four training modules, each with a test: regulatory framework, professional standards, safeguarding, and equalities/disability
• a practical wheelchair course, if you will drive a wheelchair-accessible vehicle

Source: Applying for a hackney carriage or private hire driver's licence (includes the driver training policy summary) (opens in a new tab) (Leeds City Council, Driver training policy, section 1)[1]

The policy sets out the topics in each module. Use them as your revision checklist.

The Town Police Clauses Act 1847 in the regulatory framework module is where the offence of plying for hire comes from (section 45). Passengers with assistance dogs are part of the equalities and disability module.

Sources: Applying for a hackney carriage or private hire driver's licence (includes the driver training policy summary) (opens in a new tab) (Leeds City Council, Driver training policy, section 1)[1]; Town Police Clauses Act 1847, section 45 (Penalty for plying for hire without a licence) (opens in a new tab) (legislation.gov.uk, Section 45)[2]

Each module test has a pass mark of 80%. The policy says the module questions cover the same topics in every council that uses this training scheme. Within each test there are certain questions you must answer correctly. If you get one of them wrong, the test is a fail even if you reached the pass mark. So practise until you get every question right, not just 80%.

The local knowledge test has a pass rate set by the council you apply to. Its questions are specific to that area, and the policy says they cannot be transferred. DfT guidance says councils should not require local knowledge tests for private hire drivers, but Leeds still does: see private hire vs hackney carriage.

Sources: Applying for a hackney carriage or private hire driver's licence (includes the driver training policy summary) (opens in a new tab) (Leeds City Council, Driver training policy, section 2 (Testing))[1]; Taxi and private hire vehicle licensing: best practice guidance for licensing authorities in England (opens in a new tab) (Department for Transport, 6.11 Topographical knowledge)[3]

Applications stay valid for 12 months. New drivers must complete all training within 12 months of submitting the application. You have 3 attempts to complete and pass the training programme; after 3 fails you cannot book onto it again for 12 months. If you do not pass all the required tests in time, the application is cancelled and the fee is not refunded.

After you are licensed, the regulatory framework, professional standards, safeguarding and equalities/disability modules are refreshed every 3 years. The council can also require an existing driver to retake modules, for example after a substantiated complaint about their English, driving or customer care.

Source: Applying for a hackney carriage or private hire driver's licence (includes the driver training policy summary) (opens in a new tab) (Leeds City Council, How to apply for a licence; Driver training policy, sections 2 to 4)[1]

Leeds lists these documents for a new driver application:

• a Group II medical report signed by a GP with full access to your NHS records, dated within the last 4 months
• a driving standards test appointment letter or pass certificate dated within 3 years, from Diamond Advanced Motorists, AA DriveTech or IAM RoadSmart
• a letter of introduction from your intended operator on headed paper
• your DVLA driving licence, a DVLA mandate and the fee
• two utility bills from the last 3 months, a recent colour passport photo and evidence of your National Insurance number
• your passport, or evidence that you can live and work in the UK; if you were born outside the UK you may need criminal records checks from every country where you lived for 3 months or more
• an enhanced DBS check: Leeds says every applicant must have a criminal record check before they can have a licence

Source: Applying for a hackney carriage or private hire driver's licence (includes the driver training policy summary) (opens in a new tab) (Leeds City Council, How to apply for a licence; What you need to submit with your application; Convictions policy)[1]

Because each test has must-pass questions, aim to know every topic, not just enough for 80%. Safeguarding and equalities/disability are full modules, so give them plenty of time, and learn the plying for hire rules for the regulatory framework module. Our free Leeds practice test uses original questions written from Leeds's conditions and the law, and our guides to plying for hire, safeguarding and disabled passengers explain the rules behind them.

We do not cover the Leeds local knowledge (geography) test. Use the material provided by the council or the training provider when you book.

Bradford, also in West Yorkshire, uses online modular training and a video interview instead: see our Bradford guide.

Sources: Applying for a hackney carriage or private hire driver's licence (includes the driver training policy summary) (opens in a new tab) (Leeds City Council, Driver training policy, sections 1 and 2)[1]; How do I become a Hackney Carriage or Private Hire Driver? (opens in a new tab) (City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council, Stages 3 and 4)[4]