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Sefton Council

Sefton taxi and private hire knowledge test

New Sefton drivers must pass the council's Knowledge Test. It has ten questions and you need at least seven correct answers to pass. All the answers are in Sefton's Licensing Handbook, and you can use the handbook during the test. Your first test is included in the £50 new driver application fee; resits cost £10.

The official council test

questions in the real test
10questions in the real test
correct to pass
7correct to pass
each resit
£10each resit
book, handbook allowed
Openbook, handbook allowed

Set and run by Sefton Council. Any fees are paid to them, not to us. Checked against official sources on .

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The test at a glance

Number of questions
10 questions[1]
Pass mark
At least 7 correct answers[1]
Handbook allowed
Yes. The Licensing Handbook is available to you during the test, and each question is headed with a subject (for example 'Guide Dogs') so you can use the index[1]
Fee
First test included in the non-refundable £50 new driver application fee. Resits cost £10[1]
Interpreter
The handbook says the Knowledge of Conditions test must be passed without the aid of an interpreter[2]
Who does not need to retake it
Applicants whose last Sefton licence expired less than two years ago[1]
Who runs it
Sefton Council[1]

What the official sources do not make clear

  • Whether the questions are multiple choice or written answers. The council does not say.
  • How long you get to complete the test.
  • Parts of the handbook refer to older requirements (for example a training qualification marked 'under review – May 2024'). Check the current handbook before your test.

How the process works

  1. Pay the non-refundable £50 new driver application fee and submit your application with all the required evidence.[1]

  2. Complete the checks, including an enhanced DBS check (with barred lists), DBS Update Service registration, DVLA check, right to work check and medical.[1]

  3. Once all your evidence is submitted, the council asks you to sit the Knowledge Test.[1]

  4. Answer at least seven of the ten questions correctly. You may use the Licensing Handbook during the test.[1]

What the test covers

Practise by topic

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

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.

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Common questions

Can I use the handbook during the Sefton knowledge test?

Yes. Sefton says the handbook will be available to you when you take the test, and the questions are headed with a subject to help you find the answer using the index.[1]

What happens if I fail?

You may take the test again. Each resit costs £10, and paid fees cannot be refunded.[1]

If the test is open book, why practise?

The handbook is long. Knowing where each subject is, and understanding the rules before the test, makes it faster and less stressful to find the right answer. Our questions are written from the handbook so you learn the same rules.

Other council tests

Guides

Official sources

Checked on . Rules can change, so confirm with the council before you book.

  1. [1]New Drivers (Taxi Licensing). Sefton Council. Page last updated 25 September 2026. Used for: 9. Knowledge Test; New Driver Application Fee; 9. Knowledge Test; New Driver Application Fee; Steps 1 to 5.
  2. [2]Hackney Carriage, Private Hire and Omnibus Licensing Scheme Handbook. Sefton Council. Used for: Part 1. Driver Licences (All).

ELS Driver Test Prep is an independent learning service run by WESLEY PRODUCTS LIMITED, trading as CorpAssist. We are not affiliated with, or endorsed by, any council, Worcestershire County Council, Transport for London or any other licensing authority. Our practice questions are original learning materials. They are not real, leaked or official exam questions.