Birmingham private hire knowledge test

What the official sources do not make clear

• The fee for the private hire knowledge test. Check with TTC Group when you book.
• How long you get to complete the test.
• The driver guide is dated April 2022 and the licence conditions April 2017. They are the versions linked from the council's website on our verification date, but check for newer versions before your test.

How the process works

1. 1

   Read Birmingham's driver guidance before contacting the licensing office about a knowledge test.[1]

2. 2

   Study the Private Hire Legal Information document and the combined private hire licence conditions. The council says the answers to the test questions are in these documents.[2]

3. 3

   Book the knowledge test (and, if you want it, TTC's optional training course) by emailing TTC Group.[1]

4. 4

   After passing the knowledge test, download and complete the application form and make an appointment.[1]

5. 5

   Complete the other requirements, including the DBS check, medical, driving test and Disability Awareness Course.[2]

What the test covers

Practise by topic

84 original questions, each written from the official documents below.

• Plying for hire and pre-booking17 questions, 6 free
• Licence conditions and reporting duties11 questions, 2 free
• Driver conduct and customer care9 questions, 3 free
• Disability awareness and the Equality Act13 questions, 5 free
• Smoking, vaping and the Health Act3 questions, 1 free
• Vehicle safety, plates and signage14 questions, 6 free
• The licensing process, badges and checks11 questions, 5 free
• Fares, receipts and lost property6 questions, 1 free

Try three sample questions

1. Question 1

   A wheelchair user books your private hire vehicle, which is on the council's list of wheelchair accessible vehicles. They want to stay in their wheelchair. What must you do?

   • AAsk them to move to a passenger seat
   • BRefuse the booking if you are busy
   • CCarry them while they stay in the wheelchair
   • DCarry them only if they pay an extra charge
   Show the answer

   ✓ C. Carry them while they stay in the wheelchair Section 165 of the Equality Act 2010 says the driver of a designated vehicle must carry a wheelchair user while in the wheelchair, if hired by or for them.

2. Question 2

   Can the driver of a designated wheelchair accessible vehicle charge a wheelchair user extra for the help they need?

   • AYes, if the operator agrees
   • BYes, if the journey takes longer
   • CYes, but only at night
   • DNo, an additional charge is not allowed
   Show the answer

   ✓ D. No, an additional charge is not allowed Section 165(4)(f) of the Equality Act 2010 says the driver must not make, or propose to make, any additional charge for carrying out these duties.

3. Question 3

   Your operator accepts a booking for a disabled passenger with an assistance dog. You do not have an exemption certificate. What happens if you refuse because of the dog?

   • ANothing, if you tell the operator first
   • BYou only have to give a refund
   • CYou commit a criminal offence
   • DIt is allowed if the dog is large
   Show the answer

   ✓ C. You commit a criminal offence Section 170(3) of the Equality Act 2010 makes it an offence for a private hire driver to refuse an accepted booking because the disabled person has an assistance dog.

Common questions